After two months of recruitment and selection, Beijing-based Wang Zichen (Let Zichen Fly for a While), Gao Qing (Jamesgaoqing), Yang Jianguo (A Liang), and Dalian’s Yu Lei (DL Torpedo) will represent the Tecnica Trail Running Team (Tecnica China Trail Running Team) in this September’s celebrated 330-kilometer trail running event—the Tor des Géants—in Italy. This marks the first time Chinese athletes have participated in the “Tor des Géants,” opening a brand-new chapter in the history of the event since its inception.
From left to right: Wang Zichen, Gao Qing, Yu Lei, and Yang Jianguo
Currently, the four Chinese "giants" are actively preparing through intensive training. Pietro, the leader of the Tecnica International Trail Running Team in Italy, has also developed tailored physical, mental, dietary, and training plans for the four Chinese athletes to enhance their endurance, willpower, and ability to manage energy efficiently.
Wang Zichen (Let Zichen Fly for a While), member of the Tecnica China Trail Running Team
Gao Qing (Jamesgaoqing), member of the Tecnica China Trail Running Team
Yu Lei (DL Torpedo), member of the Tecnica China Trail Running Team
Yang Jianguo (A Liang), member of the Tecnica China Trail Running Team
The Tecnica Trail Running Team (Tecnica China Trail Running Team) was established in 2010, sponsored by TECNICA, ISPO BEIJING, ACOME, and the Banff Mountain Film Festival. Its mission is to vigorously promote trail running in China and encourage more outdoor enthusiasts to join the sport.
The “Tor des Géants” takes place in the mountainous region of northern Italy, near the Rhône-Alpes area of France. This area is entirely mountainous and is a paradise for nature lovers, skiers, hikers, and mountaineers. The race route runs alongside the four highest peaks in Italy—Mont Blanc (4,807m), Monte Rosa (4,637m), Cervino (4,478m), and Gran Paradiso (4,061m). As one of the world’s top trail running events, the Tor des Géants is hosting its third edition this year. The course spans 330 kilometers with a total elevation gain of 24,000 meters, crossing 25 mountain passes, and has a 150-hour cutoff time. There are only 550 global spots available. Within just minutes of registration opening this year, those 550 spots were filled instantly by top endurance runners from around the world, with over 2,000 applicants still on the waiting list. In the first two editions of the Tor des Géants, no Chinese participants took part. This year, Tecnica has specially secured four “wildcards,” allowing these four Chinese “giants” to step onto their Tor des Géants journey.