Saturday, January 25, 2025 – Comapedrosa (Andorra) – Another commanding victory was delivered by Axelle Gachet-Mollaret (FRA) and Rémi Bonnet (SUI) in today’s Individual race.
Just two weeks after the season’s first Individual race in Shahdag (Azerbaijan), the overall leaders once again showcased their dominance, leaving no chance for their rivals. However, behind them, the battle for podium positions was much more contested.
A course adapted to very low snow coverage
Pal Arinsal was used to hold its Individual in the higher altitudes of the station. However, this year, due to exceptionally low snow levels, the race organizers made the decision to move the course to Col de Botella area and adapt the race into a circuit format.
The race featured 4 loops, each including an uphill and downhill section with 300 meters of elevation gain for women and 350 meters for men, along with a foot section for both categories.
Women’s Race Highlights
Right from the start, Axelle Gachet-Mollaret (FRA) took the lead, as she often does, and widened the gap during the first climb. Behind her, Emily Harrop (FRA) and Tove Alexandersson (SWE) were neck and neck during the first loop, but Emily pulled ahead from the second loop onward, running her own race in a solid second place. The Swedish athlete managed to hold on to her third position all the way to the finish line.
Further back, Alba de Silvestro (ITA) secured fourth place, while an intense battle for the 5th, 6th, and subsequent positions unfolded between the French and Italian athletes. Giulia Murada (ITA) finally took 5th place.
[Check the overall classification and timings here.]
Men’s Race Highlights
Rémi Bonnet (SUI) left no room for suspense. The 29-year-old athlete claimed his 22nd World Cup victory with an impressive performance.
Behind him, the race saw an intense battle with constantly shifting duels. After the first loop, Paul Verbnjak (AUT) and Aurélien Gay (SUI) were neck and neck, followed closely by Thibault Anselmet (FRA) and a tightly packed group of athletes.
By the end of the second loop, Aurélien had widened his lead, with Thibault following from a distance, Paul Verbnjak showing signs of struggle, and Maximilien Drion (BEL) moving up.
At the third loop, nothing was set for Aurélien Gay, as Thibault and Maximilien were on his heels, making for a nail-biting finish. Ultimately, Thibault got the better of his opponent and secured second place, followed by Aurélien Gay who made his first Individual ISMF World Cup podium.
