Media Information
Bonnet and Harrop produce outstanding performances in the individual race in Villars
Villars-sur-Ollons, 5 February 2024 – The last day of competition at the ISMF World Cup Villars-sur-Ollons bought a magnificent display of ski mountaineering at its best. The technical race, featuring a challenging course with 1315m of elevation gain, tested the mettle of elite athletes in both the men’s and women’s categories, with Remi Bonnet (SUI) and Emily Harrop (FRA) proving once again that they master the individual races.
Women’s Race:
The women’s race unfolded with Emily Harrop of France claiming an outstanding victory, completing the challenging course in 1:25:23.00. This marked her fourth consecutive win in just over a week, showcasing her exceptional form and dominance in the discipline. Harrop’s stellar performance solidified her status as the current leader of the world cup rankings, both on the overall ranking as well as on the individual and sprint rankings.
After a hard battle during the whole race, Italy’s Alba de Silvestro secured the second position, stopping the clock 1:26:19.93, almost one minute behind Harrop. De Silvestro, who earned the bronze medal in the individual race at the European Championships in Flaine a few weeks ago, continued to display her prowess on the demanding course. Axelle Gachet Mollaret of France rounded out the podium, finishing in third place with a time of 1:27:31.50.
The women’s competition was characterized by a gripping battle among the leading trio, with each athlete pushing the limits of their endurance and technical skills. The challenging terrain and perfect snow conditions added an extra layer of excitement to the race.
Johanna Hiemer (AUT) was fourth on the day, one of the best performances of her career on an individual race, while Giulia Murada was fifth on the day.
Men’s Race:
In the men’s race, Remi Bonnet of Switzerland reaffirmed his status as the current European and World Champion of the individual discipline. Bonnet’s remarkable time of 1:10:11.87 secured him the top spot on the podium, as he dominated the race from start to finish and ended up with over two minutes of a lead with the rest of the field.
The men’s competition showcased the strength of these elite athletes, with Bonnet’s victory further solidifying his reputation as a force in ski mountaineering. The technical aspects of the race, combined with the varying elevations and challenging descents, provided a true test for the competitors.
Thibault Anselmet of France displayed a strong performance, securing the second position with a time of 1:12:32.88. Matteo Eydallin of Italy rounded out the men’s podium, finishing in third place with a time of 1:12:41.77.
After being in second place during the whole race, Maximilien Drion du Chapois (BEL) lost a skin while on the last descent and even though he crossed the finish line in second place, he had a 1 minute penalty that moved him to the fourth place. Aurelien Gay (FRA) rounded up the top five on the day.
The sunny weather and perfect snow conditions in Villars sur Ollon added to the overall spectacle, creating a memorable day for both the participants and spectators, setting the perfect ending for the ISMF World Cup Circuit in Villars sur Ollon.