Natalia Pesantez (ECU) of the SheaStokes World Team and Nolan Beddiaf (FRA) of the Manao FRSkates World Team both claim victory with course records on the shores of Lake Superior.

Following the WIC race in Troyes, France, last weekend, another premiere took place today. The 30th edition of the renowned Northshore Marathon was also a USD 15,000 Premium Class WORLD INLINE CUP Marathon. More than 2,400 participants competed across various disciplines in this special point-to-point marathon along the shores of Lake Superior, not far from the Canadian border.

The Elite Women’s field got off to a fast and compact start, benefiting from ideal temperatures and a strong tailwind. Around halfway through the race, Ecuadorian Natalia Pesantez of the SheaStokes World Team surprised the field with a breakaway and quickly extended her lead to more than 1.5 km. The main pack was unable to close the gap, allowing Pesantez to cross the finish line comfortably in first place, setting a new course record with a time of 1:03:11.5. Just under a minute later, Aura Quintana (ESP), also representing the SheaStokes World Team, and Maria Jose Quiroz (COL) of the Powerslide World Team battled it out in an exciting sprint for second place.

In the men’s race, all eyes were on Nolan Beddiaf (FRA) of the Manao FRSkates World Team, as he aimed to defend both his title and course record from last year. The competition was strong, with athletes such as Julio Mirena (PAR) and Carlos Tarazona (ESP), both of the SheaStokes World Team, as well as Hugo Gerard (FRA) and Mateo Rico (COL), both representing the SPSPSK Rollerblade World Team.

Despite frequent changes at the front, the field remained tightly packed until shortly before the finish, when Nolan Beddiaf and Carlos Tarazona managed to break away from the group. In the final stages, Beddiaf successfully defended his title and even improved his own course record.

Women's Podium:

1. Place     Natalia Pesantez (ECU)                 SheaStokes World Team               1:03:11.5
2. Place     Aura Quintana (ESP)                     SheaStokes World Team               1:03:57.5          
3. Place     Maria Jose Quiroz (COL)               Powerslide World Team                1:03:57.7

Men's Podium:

1. Place     Nolan Beddiaf (FRA)                     Manao FRSkates World Team              53:55.2
2. Place     Carlos Tarazona (COL)                   SheaStokes World Team                    53:55.3
3. Place     Julio Mirena (PAR)                        SheaStokes World Team                      54:36.7

The next stop and final of the WORLD INLINE CUP will be in Berlin (GER) on September 26.