Contura – Autumn/Winter 2013/14

Samuel Rindlisbacher in
good shape at the halfway
mark in Pontresina:
"It's going well!"
A breather with Pippa Middleton
We catch up with him again in Pontresina, the finish point for the half
marathon: as predicted, Samuel Rindlisbacher arrives at the food and drink
station after one and a half hours. Dozens of volunteers line the edges of
the course, handing out drinks to the thirsty participants. Music, party tents
and barbecued sausages: the atmosphere here gives the spectators some
idea of what the celebrations will be like at the finish in S-chanf. Pippa
Middleton has just whizzed past, the loudspeakers announce. Prince William’s
sister-in-law finishes in 233 rd position (out of 494) in her category.
Samuel Rindlisbacher is also doing well at the halfway mark: "I got off to a
really nice start across the lake", he tells us. "But the Staz forest just outside
Pontresina is always hard going – however, I’m happy with my time so far."
Party mood in S-chanf
By car we – naturally – reach the finishing line long before the marathon
skiers. Although: the fastest participants cover the 42-km distance between
Maloja and S-chanf on cross-country skis in less than ninety minutes.
Our man from the RhB takes a little longer: Samuel Rindlisbacher
crosses the finishing line after three hours and 33 minutes. He is very
happy: "I was only one minute slower than last year! I enjoyed myself and
felt really great up to the halfway mark. But the 'Golan heights' at the end
were really quite tough. There are two or three brutal climbs – everyone is
made to suffer so close to finishing." He has no trouble whatsoever in retrieving
his stuff from army truck no. 21. Perfect organisation, like he said.
And then a satisfied Samuel Rindlisbacher disappears among the crowds
of skiers and spectators milling around the food and drink stands, bands
playing carnival music and massage tents.
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