2003 Inline 111, Switzerland

Inline 111K, St. Gallen, Switzerland, August 10, 2003
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1,400 skaters took to the line for THE classic European ultra marathon event, the Inline 111, on August 10, 2003, in St. Gallen Switzerland. The 111K winds through pastoral Swiss countryside and through old-style villages chock full of spectators ringing cowbells and shouting "hup hup hup," making it both beautiful and memorable.

For those who raced last year in the miserable drenching cold, the 2003 edition was the perfect chance to confront and defeat the haunting demons from the year before. Temperatures were still relatively cool for the 7am start, but the wheeled action was hot, hot, hot.

Tristan Loy, king of the ultramarathon in Europe, took off after only 20K and was never to be seen again, finishing an astonishing 7 minutes ahead of the chase group in 3 hours and 7 minutes.. "That was one of the hardest things I've ever done," admitted Loy after the race. "I only meant to get away for a while and make the pack work," he said, "so naturally I was worried when they didn't give chase. I didn't think I was going to last out there." Arnaud Gicquel, second in last year's running, skated 4 by 100mm wheels and finished fourth.

Cincia Ponzetti carried the day on big wheels for the women after favorite Celine Weiss crashed in the final meters. The winning women finished after 3 hours and 45 minutes of grueling bliss.

This race is always special for its closed roads, clearly indicated turns, ample food and drink along the way, enthusiastic supporter en route, and the final 20 kilometers, which climb, climb, climb to the finish. If ever there was a European destination for skate tourists, the Inline 111K is it!

Stay tuned for pictures from the pro-pack!

Final K	Women overhead	Last hill
That way!	Into the tunnel	Check back
Finish stretch	Oops	Hang in there!
So tired	Only Americans	Tristan le Roi
Men's podium	Volle kanne	Women's winners

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