The vertical race kicked off the closing stage of the Youth World Cup.
Val Louron, 23 March 2023 – The last stage of the ISMF Youth World 2022/23 has started in Val Louron, France, with the Vertical race. More than 130 athletes from 14 countries lined up for the discipline, which is about pure uphill power. U16 Men and Women tackled 340 vertical metres, while the U18 and U20 categories had 480 metres of elevation.
Loic Dubois of Switzerland won the U20 Men race, the fastest out of 41 boys. Second to cross the finish line was Austrian prodigy Nils Oberauer, the winner of the first Vertical in Crévacol. The leader of the U20 World Cup, Jon Kistler of Switzerland, finished on the bronze spot, making an important step towards his big goal – winning the overall title.
Switzerland also celebrated a triumph in the U20 Women thanks to the unstoppable Thiba Deseyn. The reigning world champion and one of the most extraordinary talents won the race 23 seconds ahead of Louise Trincaz (France). Loanne Roussillon of France finished third, her first podium of the season at the international level. Griffin Briley (USA) returned to Europe for the last week of the Youth World Cup and began on a high note.
The World Champion in the Individual race was the best in the U18 Men category today, winning by 40 seconds ahead of David Jost (Germany). The third spot on the podium was for Enrico Pellegrini (Italy). Alice Maniezzo won the U18 Women’s race in an even greater style. Second place Melissa Bertolina lost a minute to her compatriot. Helena Euringer made her first start at the ISMF Youth World Cup today and immediately finished third.
The U16 athletes were allowed to participate for the first time this season. Corrine Higgins was by far the fastest out of nine girls in this category. The second-placed Romanian athlete lost 40 seconds, while the third Enya Summermatter was 49 seconds back.
Silas Walter’s victory underlined a successful day for Germany, who won gold, silver and bronze. Romania won the second silver of the day thanks to Marian Marcel Surdu, while the bronze medal was for Landon Jakob (USA). Tomorrow is a rest day, which athletes will use for recon of the Individual track for Saturday morning.
For the results of the day, click HERE.
Photo credit: Luis Ordóñez Ballesteros
