Monday, January 13, 2025 – Shahdag (Azerbaijan), last day of competition and first Individual race of the ISMF World Cup season.
Two days after their victories in the Vertical race, Axelle Gachet (FRA) and Rémi Bonnet (CHE) triumph once again, winning the first Individual race of the ISMF World Cup season. They executed the same strategy as the Vertical: leading the pack from the start and maintaining their position.
A challenging course reaching 2,345 meters of altitude, with a thrilling downhill at the end
The men’s course covered a grueling 1400 meters, incorporating 12 transitions, a foot part of 50m climb and fast descent. Athletes had to push their limits, rewarding technical ability and strategic pacing. For the women, the track mirrored the men’s course, same number of transitions, but featured a slightly reduced elevation gain of 150 meters on the first climb.
The conditions were sunny and warm, with temperatures around 10°C at the starting line located at 1,435m, the lowest point of Shahdag ski resort.
Despite limited snowfall, the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) rose to the challenge, optimizing the track with sinuous uphill and downhill transitions that tested the racers’ skill and endurance.
The race started at 11:00 AM local time for the men and 11:20 AM for the women – one hour delayed due to a direction committee decision after the course inspection.
Men’s Race Highlights
The battle for dominance began early, with Remi Bonnet (CHE) showcasing an extraordinary performance. From the first uphill, Bonnet established a decisive lead of nearly one minute, which he extended through the remainder of the race with unmatched speed and control.
The competition for second place was intense, with Samuel Equy (FRA) and Thibault Anselmet (FRA) locked in a fierce head-to-head battle. Both athletes displayed remarkable determination and athleticism, thrilling spectators with their tenacity.
Women’s Race Highlights
On the women’s side, Axelle Gachet (FRA) dominated from the first climb and maintained her lead to the finish line. Her commanding performance left no doubt about her strength and preparedness. Trailing her, Emily Harrop (FRA) and Johanna Hiemer (AUT) completed the podium, holding steady in their positions throughout the race. The three leaders created a gap from the rest of the pack, cementing their dominance on the course.
Men’s final rankings
- Rémi Bonnet, CHE [1:28:23.8]
- Samuel Equy, FRA [1:31:51.1]
- Thibault Anselmet, FRA [1:31:54.1]
- Paul Verbnjak, AUT [1:32:12.5]
- Anselme Damevin, FRA [1:32:36.4]
Women’s final rankings
