Atuya and Saoli lead Kenyan dominance at Vauban Mountain and Trail race

The latest stages of the 2025 WMRA Mountain Running World Cup unfolded dramatically at the Vauban Mountain and Trail this weekend (19-20) where Richard Omaya Atuya and Michael Selelo Saoli led the Kenyan dominance of the men's races, while French duo Christel Dewalle and Nélie Clément took the women's titles.

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Known as the highest city in France and a Unesco World Heritage Site, Briançon provided a stunning yet brutal backdrop for the 5.9km uphill race on Saturday (19) and the 'Grand Parcours' 14km classic race on Sunday (20).

Atuya and Dwealle dominate In the men's uphill race, Kenyan trio Philemon Kiriago, Josphat Kiprotich, and Richard Omaya Atuya took a convincing early lead, passing the halfway point together. Britain's Jacob Adkin and Italy's Andrea Elia led the chase pack.

In the final two kilometres, Kiriago lost ground while Adkin surged forward to move into third position. Atuya, however, was unstoppable, breaking away to claim victory in 40:40, followed by Kiprotich (41:44) and Adkin (41:53).

In a race which doubled as a selection trial for French athletes for the 2025 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Canfranc, local favourite Christel Dewalle was keen to put in a strong performance in the women's event.