The ‘Pujada a Coll de Pal’ (2,106 m) is a race of 19 km and 1,300 meters of positive slope, 100% on asphalt and that was born in 1984.

In 1988, in its fourth edition, Rafael Garcia set the male record for the race (1:24:42) and in 1994, ten years later, Quima Casas set the female record (1:47:59).

This race organized by Salomon was scheduled for October 2020 but had to be postponed for health reasons until April 10, 2021.

When did the opportunity to do this test arise?

Almost half a year ago I was made this proposal, at first it was held in October 2020 at that time I was a girl almost unknown and among the participants appeared the name of Marta Galimany among others.

I was really excited and my goal was to get as close to them as possible and not be the last one.

When a week before it was suspended, I was very disappointed, but the strength I had gained helped me to prove it three weeks later in Ibiza, proclaiming myself Champion of Spain Absolute Trail.

How did the postponement affect you?

The roles change and so does the date, I stop being one more to become one of the favorites to win, I go from being unknown to come as champion of Spain so the pressure and nerves change too.

Can you tell us about any specific training in preparation?

2 weeks before, I took the closest asphalt pass, long and with no traffic in Guipuzcoa to do a test.

The result was as follows: Less slope than I was looking for, but it encouraged me to know that the record was within reach.

With this I already have my mind set to go for the record.

And then came D-Day

Minutes before the start, the tension starts, 8 participants more than 8 cameras, police to cut traffic, vans to follow the race? Tension, nerves? No way (note the irony).

We start and at km 0.5 of the race I hear the engine of a car, I go to the right, that same noise I guess I hear Biel also coming behind on a bicycle, the car does not see us turn right, and incredible crash ….

I stand up and Biel asks me: Are you okay? Me: Perfectly. Uff almost a trail runner and from Salomon that the public would like me to win the event, injured… But nothing it was just to make it a bit more complicated!

We continue and km after km I’m taking seconds off the record but not my rivals, they made it difficult until the last meter.

Last km, I don’t know if it was the effort or the altitude, but I was exhausted, I crossed the finish line and I shouted: ” Uff que matadita jajajajaja“.

And finally the record in my hands!

1:40:21 h the new record of Sara, improving in more than 7′ the previous one. A time that undoubtedly shows her potential, congratulations Sara!