Marc Pinsach Rubirola

For more than 15 years, Marc Pinsach has focused on outdoor sports, especially ski mountaineering. He participated as a member of the Spanish national team in world championships and world cups and celebrated successes in classics such as the Pierra Menta, Patrouille des Glaciers and Mezzalana In the summer he also ran a lot in the mountains for training - also with successes in Skyraces and in trail running. He finished third in the OCC event of the UTMB races in 2014. Then the next year he stood on the top of the podium as the fastest over 55 km and over 3500 meters of altitude, winning the OCC. The Catalan also won the Olla de Núria four times. He also holds the best time on the Aneto, which is known as a historic marathon course in mountain running.

With his career in ski mountaineering ending in 2021, Marc is now fully focused on trail running, living out his love of the outdoors on long runs in the mountains. As part of the Merrell Trail Team, he will now devote himself entirely to trail running and bring a new wind to his career as an outdoor athlete. In doing so, he is especially careful not to harm the environment in the mountains. He has found a like-minded sponsor in Merrell.

What spurs Marc Pinsach to always stay on the ball is, above all, nature and the experiences he has with projects, runs and training sessions outside. "I'm still incredibly motivated to keep pursuing these beautiful adventures that training and racing in the mountains are for me. Mountain sports are for me the best balance between effort, hard work and long training sessions - and the sense of adventure of exploring nature."

Last winter Marc Pinsach ended his competitive career in skimo. Since then, he now concentrates fully on trail running. Nevertheless, ski touring has of course not completely disappeared from his life. In winter, he combines skimo and trail in his training: ski mountaineering to gain altitude without the impact of a running session on his legs. At the same time, he relies on fast units in his running training in preparation for the season.

The combination in training should bring a good form for the trail running races in spring and summer: After several years at distances of 20 to 40 kilometers, Marc Pinsach wants to tackle longer races this year. The Catalan has set himself the CCC of the UTMB as a big goal for the summer of 2022 - and thus his first race over 100 km. For those who don't know it, the CCC is one of the most prestigious ultra trail races in the world. The route starts from Courmayeur in Italy, goes via Champex in Switzerland to Chamonix in France and overcomes around 6100 meters in altitude.

The MTL (Merrell Test Lab) is all about radical innovations that enable athletes from the

from the Merrell Trail Team to run even faster and longer.

The LONG SKY 2 accompanies Marc on his mountain runs and represents what makes trail running so special. Designed to withstand ever-changing conditions and varied terrain, it is quick-drying, breathable, and with its FloatPro Foam midsole, lightweight yet incredibly comfortable.

RRP: 130 euros

RD stands for Race Day! The Skyfire RD is the lightest, most agile and performance-heavy trail running shoe from Merrell and carries Marc through his competitions.

RRP: 115 euros

The innovative Agility Peak 4 from Merrell is the perfect companion for runners who want to feel extra secure even on the toughest trails. With the new FloatPro® midsole for lightweight and durable cushioning, the shoe is great for long runs and ultras, like the CCC, which Marc plans to tackle this year. Also new: a VIBRAM® Megagrip outsole for maximum grip on rock. Available in different colors for men and women.

RRP: 140 euros