Monday, March 4, 2025 – Morgins (Switzerland)
Today, the Vertical races took place in Morgins, starting with the U18 and U20 categories in the morning, followed by the Senior and U23 racing together in the evening under a stunning sunset backdrop.
While the youth races delivered plenty of suspense, the Senior competitions saw no surprises at the top. Axelle Gachet-Mollaret (FRA) and Rémi Bonnet (SUI), the undisputed masters of the Vertical discipline, once again showcased their dominance. However, behind them, fierce battles unfolded for the second and third places. Find the race summaries, photos, and video extracts below.
Senior and U23 Women’s Race Summary
Among the 49 athletes on the start line, Axelle Gachet-Mollaret (FRA) took the lead as expected. However, she faced strong resistance from Tove Alexandersson (SWE), who stayed close until the final third of the race before conceding the gap.
Behind them, the battle for bronze was intense. In the end, Sarah Dreier (AUT) claimed third place, an emotional comeback after struggling in recent World Cups, as her smile at the finish said it all.
A strong performance from Switzerland, with Thibe Deseyn and Caroline Ulrich finishing 4th and 5th overall. This also secured Thibe Deseyn the title of U23 World Champion.
Top 5:
Axelle Gachet-Mollaret (FRA)
Tove Alexandersson (SWE)
Sarah Dreier (AUT)
Thibe Deseyn (SUI)
Caroline Ulrich (SUI)
Top 5 – U23: Thibe Deseyn (SUI)
Caroline Ulrich (SUI)
Yuzhen Cidan (CHN)
Malen Osa Ansa (ESP)
Noemi Junod (ITA)
Senior and U23 Men’s Race Summary
With 88 athletes on the start line, all eyes were on Rémi Bonnet (SUI), the clear favorite racing on home soil. And he did not disappoint. There was no suspense as the Swiss powerhouse dominated from start to finish, leaving no chance for his rivals. Behind him, the fight for the podium was fierce. Maximilien Drion du Chapois (BEL) secured silver, earning his best result of the season, while Aurélien Gay (SUI) battled his way to third place, just ahead of a determined Paul Verbnjak (AUT).
A strong performance as well from Klemen Spanring (SLO), who not only finished 5th overall but also claimed the title of U23 World Champion.
Top 5:
Rémi Bonnet (SUI)
Maximilien Drion du Chapois (BEL)
Aurélien Gay (SUI)
Paul Verbnjak (AUT)
Klemen Spanring (SLO)
Top 5 – U23: Klemen Spanring (SLO)
Nikita Filippov (AIN)
Anselme Damevin (FRA)
Nils Oberauer (AUT)
Hermann Debertolis (ITA)
Youth Categories: A global field emerging
The U18 and U20 races kicked off early this morning, with the first start at 8:55 AM. The competition showcased impressive diversity, highlighting the sport’s growing international reach.
Notably, China claimed victory in both the U18 men’s and women’s races, while Slovenia took gold in the U20 women’s category, and the United States secured the top spot in the U20 men’s race. These results offer a glimpse into the future of Ski Mountaineering. A new generation of outstanding athletes is rising.
U20 Women’s Race Summary
With 16 athletes on the start line, the race saw an early attack from Klara Velepec (SLO). It proved to be a winning move, as she managed to hold her lead despite the final stretch being, in her words, “really steep.”
Behind her, Elise Hjelset Andersen (NOR) secured second place, while Laia Selles Sanchez (ESP) fought hard for third, showing great resilience just a day after her victory in the Mixed Relay.
Top 5:
Klara Velepec (SLO)
Elise Hjelset Andersen (NOR)
Laia Selles Sanchez (ESP)
Silvia Boscacci (ITA)
Camille Maupoix (FRA)
U20 Men’s Race Summary
With 30 athletes on the start line, the battle for the podium was intense. Griffin Briley (USA) described the race as follow: “It was a fight until the end, we were lined up together. We attacked probably 10 different times, and in the end, I was able to chase them down.”
Top 5:Griffin Briley (USA)
Silvano Wolf (AUT)
Gonzalo Casares Hervias (ESP)
Lorenzo Milesi (ITA)
Malik Uldry (SUI)
U18 Women’s Race Summary
With 17 athletes on the start line, the race was packed with intensity. Ani Pumu (CHN) took the lead early, closely chased by two strong Italian competitors. In the final stretch, she managed to push ahead, crossing the finish line just a few seconds ahead of her rivals.
Top 5:
Ani Pumu (CHN)
Teresa Schivalocchi (ITA)
Giorgia Pollini (ITA)
Maria Ramirez Tio (ESP)
Nuria Balaguer Noguera (ESP)
U18 Men’s Race Summary
With 33 athletes on the start line, Gongsong Langjia (CHN) executed a perfectly paced race. Starting in third position, he steadily worked his way to the front, ultimately securing victory at the finish line. This win was a powerful comeback after yesterday’s disappointment in the Mixed Relay, where a penalty dropped China to fourth place, costing them the gold.
Top 5:
Gongsong Langjia (CHN)
Moritz Bauregger (GER)
Aron Rodal Haugen (NOR)
Iver Holen (NOR)
Paul Sulpice (FRA)
ISMF World Championships 2025 – Morgins Vertical track
The Vertical race started from the base of Morgins resort, covering just over 1 km with a 500-meter elevation gain.
Follow the Action
The competition continues! Live tracking is available for all events, and the Senior Sprint finals will be broadcast live on Thursday. Find all the links to access the live streams, along with press-dedicated photos and videos, in the following document: MEDIA LINKS
ISMF 2025 World Championships Morgins – Upcoming races
- Thursday, March 6: Sprint races
- Friday, March 7: Individual races
- Saturday, March 8: Team Race
