Fuzhao Xiang | 2024 UTMB Pre Race Interview

Aug 27, 2024

Fuzhao Xiang, an elite athlete set to compete in the 2024 UTMB, shares insights into his transformative experiences in trail running. He discusses the evolution of the sport in China, particularly its rising popularity among youth and women. Reflections on overcoming gastrointestinal challenges at previous races reveal his resilience. Fuzhao also emphasizes the importance of crew support, celebrating the strong connection with his key supporter, who plays a crucial role in his racing success.

Ask episode

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

Intro

00:00 • 2min

Reflections on Racing at UTMB and Overcoming Challenges

01:59 • 3min

The Evolution of Trail Running in China

05:02 • 2min

Reflections and Preparations

07:01 • 4min

The Role of Support and Crew in Racing Success

10:53 • 2min

This interview is part of Freetrail's 2024 UTMB coverage, the most important global event in the sport of trail running. The show is hosted each day by Dylan Bowman who interviews top athletes and favorites for the key races this week: OCC, CCC & UTMB.

Make sure to tune into all of Freetrail's coverage leading into the 2024 UTMB. We'll have a daily show Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday before we head out on course to follow OCC, CCC and UTMB with photo and video coverage. We'll be back with post-race shows on Saturday and Sunday to recap the weekend of racing.

You can listen to our Top-10 Storylines of the 2024 UTMB show hosted by Dylan Bowman here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMeq7zXgm48. In this show, Dylan is joined by longtime co-host Corrine Malcolm, and Matt Daniels. Tune in to hear what our hosts consider the top 10 storylines to follow in this year's race. What is the storyline you're most excited to follow? What did we miss? Let us know in the comments what you think!

Want to learn more about Freetrail? Check out Freetrail.com to learn more and consider joining our membership community, Freetrail Pro, to be part of the best global online community of passionate trail runners. Best sport in the world!

Make sure to play Freetrail's own fantasy trail running at https://fantasy.freetrail.com/events. Fantasy winners this week will receive a head to toe trail kit from HOKA as well as other sweet prizes. Our 2024 UTMB coverage is brought to you by our good friends at HOKA. We're grateful for their generous support and belief in Freetrail.

HOKA is a proud presenting partner of the UTMB series. And sponsor of this week’s Freetrail coverage.Check out the Freetrail coverage all week to learn more about their new release of the Tecton X3. AND if you are here in Chamonix, go experience the HOKA basecamp and join in all the Tecton demo opportunities across the week. Named after the earth’s tectonic plates, which inspired its parallel dual carbon fiber plate design, the Tecton X franchise has revolutionized the trail racing world – propelling athletes to new heights.

The Tecton X3 features an upgraded midsole featuring two layers of PEBA foam, with one softer layer on top for cushioning and impact, and a slightly firmer layer underneath for agility proprioception on technical terrain. The propulsive parallel carbon fiber plates have evolved – now featuring winglets, the wider plates wrap strategically up the sidewall for additional control in key zones. In the upper, a new knit collar acts as a gaiter to help mitigate trail debris from entering the shoe.

Launching just in time for the UTMB Mont Blanc World Series, The Tecton X3 will be seen on HOKA elite athletes competing at the highest level in Chamonix,

France. Inviting consumers and fans of the sport to learn about the innovation behind the brand’s most pinnacle trail release yet, HOKA will be opening their FlyLab™experience dedicated to the Tecton X 3 in celebration of UTMB, located at the HOKA Base Camp in Chamonix Village, and open from Tuesday - Friday of race week.