Original interview in spanish:
Alfonso Garcia
As tradition dictates every January, it’s time to talk about the Montane Spine Race. Last week, on Territorio Trail, we were following the race live, giving real‑time updates—especially tracking our own Eugeni Rosselló. In the end, it wasn’t to be.
Today we wanted to bring him on the show to calmly review and analyze this edition, particularly Eugeni’s performance.
Eugeni, welcome—great to have you here.
Eugeni Rosselló
Thank you very much.
Alfonso Garcia
First of all, thank you for accepting the invitation. It’s been over a week since the race. How are you feeling both physically and mentally?
Eugeni Rosselló
Physically, my legs, knees—everything is perfect. Muscularly I’m fine.
The only thing that still hurts a bit are my feet—mainly the bones underneath, from so much impact on ice and rocks.
That said, I’m already training again: today gym, elliptical; yesterday and the day before spinning. Tomorrow I’ll be back in the mountains for sure.
Alfonso Garcia
And mentally? Do you already feel like coming back next year, or do you want nothing to do with the Spine Race anymore?
Eugeni Rosselló
I’m still processing it. This was the first year in a very long time that I raced without pain. After Mallorca two months ago, at another ultra, I had to take off my shoes 13 times because of foot pain.
When I got back, we made changes—with my physios in Huesca—different shoes, less cushioning, wider fit. The result was incredible. I trained for eight weeks at a huge volume, and for the first time in years, I ran for two months without taking my shoes off even once.
I couldn’t wait to start the Spine Race. My expectations were very high. And then… what happened, happened.
But yes—I absolutely want to come back.
Alfonso Garcia
Joining us today are also Antonio Codina and Albert Torrent from Ultres Catalunya.
Antonio, do you want to start with the first question?
Antonio Codina
Eugeni, I was following the race closely. You always start very strong and open up big gaps. From the outside, watching the tracker, it’s clear—but how does it feel from inside the race?
Are you aware of the advantage you have? How do you decide whether to keep pushing or to stop and rest?
Eugeni Rosselló
This year, six of us started together. We were coming off Storm Goretti, and two days earlier there had been a massive snowfall. The first stage was brutal—winds up to 100 km/h, snow up to the knees.
At the start, I didn’t want to attack. I wanted to get through the first six or seven hours and see if my feet held up. When I saw they were working, I pushed, took the lead, and went off alone.
I knew the gap was growing, but I didn’t really look at the tracker. I felt amazing—running without pain, faster than ever, without losing time. The real problem was sleep.
Some people can lie down for 40 minutes, an hour, wake up and continue. I can’t. I close my eyes, 30 minutes go by, I get up and leave. I just can’t sleep during races.
When I got to the checkpoints it was very busy because of the runners of the Challenger North so I could not rest.
After three nights without sleep, I started hallucinating. I didn’t know where I was or whether I was still in the race. I talked to rocks in the river. I thought a dog was attacking me when it was just walking next to its owner.
I even said I was quitting—without understanding what I was saying.
Then I slept for two hours. When I woke up and realized I had withdrawn, I couldn’t believe it. I was 20 km from the finish.
Antonio Codina
Was that at the Hut 1 refuge, where they stopped you?
Eugeni Rosselló
Yes. The safety team was there. I arrived completely out of it and said all sorts of nonsense.
Later, when my head cleared a bit, I realized what I’d done—but by then it was over. I stayed overnight, and the next day they evacuated me because I had massive fluid retention.
Honestly, if the refuge and rescue team hadn’t been there, I wouldn’t have stopped. I was wandering badly.
What’s crazy is that physically I was still fine. My legs were strong. I was running non‑stop and had a 10–12 hour lead.
The race director told me, “If you had slept eight hours, you would’ve won.” And I wasn’t even aware of what was happening mentally.
Albert Torrent
After so many editions—around thirteen—physically you clearly have what it takes.
Do you think the only thing missing is learning to stop, to rest, to control that urgency and impatience?
Eugeni Rosselló
Absolutely. This year my physical level was completely different. I had trained more than ever—and pain‑free.
But I thought, I feel strong, I’ll push another night. Then another. Then another. Until my head completely broke.
That’s where I need to improve: stopping, closing my eyes for an hour even if I don’t sleep, eating better, managing the race more calmly. It’s pure learning.
Alfonso Garcia
Will you try again?
Eugeni Rosselló
I have a huge thorn in my side. I know I can do this well. I worked incredibly hard.
Stopping 20 km from the finish after three days of snow and suffering—it’s devastating.
I always say I won’t come back, but this race is pure survival. You spend more hours in darkness than daylight. I think I deserve another shot—to do something special—if my body allows it.
Antonio Codina
People over here were sure you were going to win. You’re incredibly loved. There is a lovely picture of you and Damian Hall hugging.
Eugeni Rosselló
It’s unbelievable. In villages people were waiting for me, offering food. My pictures were the most commented on. I’m deeply grateful.
And Damian Hall—he’s one of my closest friends. One year I broke my knee, and he stayed with me for five hours, even though his own ACL was torn. He didn’t leave my side. That kind of loyalty is rare.
Antonio Codina
We were actually talking to Damian earlier today and sent us a few questions for you. You have answered most of them but there is still this one:
How has your approach to the race changed over these thirteen years?
Eugeni Rosselló
At the beginning I was scared. I didn’t speak English, aid stations were 90 km apart, it was overwhelming. I’d wait for someone to leave so I could follow them.
Now? Snow, wind, whatever—I go. I know what the race is. It’s brutal, but I’m not afraid anymore.
Alfonso Garcia
What shoes were you wearing?
Eugeni Rosselló
Inov‑8 Trailfly Speed: wide toe box, low drop, minimal cushioning.
With lots of cushioning and drop, the insole doesn’t work properly. With these, my feet actually function. After 15 years of experimenting, this is what’s worked best for me.
I honestly think the industry will return to lower profiles. Our feet will thank us.
Alfonso Garcia
Eugeni, thank you so much for sharing your experience. Hopefully your body stays healthy and we’ll be telling this story again next year.
Eugeni Rosselló
Thank you. Hopefully next time I make it to the finish—though if I can set the record and never come back, even better.