Illi Gardner and Jensen Maelfait were crowned Everesting World Champions on Mount Etna as large clouds of ash and smoke erupted on Saturday 26 September 2026, with the Sicilian volcano hosting the event for a second consecutive year.
Britain’s Gardner, the reigning champion, defended her women’s title in 07:59:08 after eight full ascents of the punishing northern slope from Linguaglossa. That time was faster than her existing Everesting world record of 08:03:29, set on England’s Crowcombe climb in 2022 — although organisers have not yet confirmed whether Saturday’s ride qualifies for official record ratification.
Switzerland’s Nicole Cooke took second, 15 minutes 13 seconds behind, with Italy’s Samantha Arnaudo completing the podium.
In the men’s race, Belgium’s Jensen Maelfait, competing in his first in-real-life Everesting attempt, powered to victory in 07:57:33, edging Norway’s Thomas Rode Hansen by 14 minutes 10 seconds. Germany’s Carmelo Siragusano rounded out the top three.
Maelfait’s win came under unexpected circumstances: last year’s inaugural men’s champion, Canada’s Jack Burke, did not finish, managing just one of the eight required ascents before abandoning. Burke’s early exit marked a sharp reversal for the rider who won the first men’s title in 07:30:52 twelve months ago, leaving the men’s race wide open from early on.
Riders faced the task of repeatedly climbing until they accumulated 8,848 metres of elevation gain, equal to the height of Mount Everest.
Two-time Tour de France podium finisher and Sicilian native Vincenzo Nibali served as the event’s ambassador, presenting jerseys and trophies to this year’s champions.
Still not UCI-sanctioned, the event has built credibility since its 2025 debut, with organisers hoping Etna becomes Everesting’s version of Ironman’s Kona.
View Everesting World Championships results HERE
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