Thursday, March 20, 2025 – Val Martello, Italy
This morning, the ISMF World Cup in Val Martello kicked off, marking the seventh stop of the season. Set against the stunning backdrop of Stelvio National Park, the event promises thrilling competition in an unforgettable setting.
Ranking leaders Axelle Gachet-Mollaret and Rémi Bonnet delivered a flawless performance, claiming victory in today’s race.
Discover the race recap, along with photos, new cuts, and detailed results.
Men’s Individual Race Highlights
The men’s Individual race kicked off at 9:30 CET, with 52 athletes lining up at the start. As expected, Switzerland’s Rémi Bonnet immediately took control of the race, setting a fast pace from the very first meters. Behind him, a group of about ten athletes formed a chasing pack, including Paul Verbnjak, William Bon Mardion, Xavier Gachet, Davide Magnini and other strong competitors.
At the end of the first climb, France’s William Bon Mardion claimes the second place and managed to hold his position until the finish. In the end, Switzerland’s Rémi Bonnet claimed victory, with William Bon Mardion repeating his excellent result from last year. Italy’s Matteo Eydallin completed the podium after a thrilling sprint against teammate Davide Magnini.
Notably, Italian athletes had a strong presence in the top ranks, with four additional competitors securing spots in the top 10.
Rémi Bonnet’s reaction:
“I had to turn 30 to finally win here, so it’s not for the young ones! I’m happy to add my name to this race. It’s a real SkiMo course, and it feels great to win on such a technical course with tough downhills and long climbs. I’m really proud of this one—it’s an important victory for the season.”
Women’s Individual Race Highlights
The women’s Individual race started at 10:15 CET, with 22 athletes lining up at the start.
Right from the beginning, Axelle Gachet-Mollaret and her season-long rival, Sweden’s Tove Alexandersson, broke away to lead the race. Behind them, a strong chase group formed, including Emily Harrop, Célia Périllat-Pessey, Lisa Moreschini, Margot Ravinel, Ana Alonso, Alba De Silvestro, and Lorna Bonnel.
In the final stretch, Axelle pushed hard, creating a gap over Tove. The French athlete maintained the lead before the final transition and secured on the downhill a decisive victory at the finish line.
While Tove appeared set for second place, she encountered trouble during the final transition—just a few meters from the finish line. Alba De Silvestro and Emily Harrop staged a spectacular comeback. Although Alba initially held third, Emily overtook her in the downhill section. Thanks to a more efficient transition, both athletes surged ahead of Tove, culminating in a thrilling sprint finish. Emily Harrop claimed second place, with Alba De Silvestro closely behind in third.
Further back, Spain’s Ana Alonso secured fifth place, followed by a mix of French and Italian athletes, underscoring the nations that dominate the Individual discipline.
Axelle Gachet-Mollaret’s reaction:
“I’m really happy about today’s race. I wanted revenge after the World Championship. This was truly the best Individual race we’ve had here in Val Martello, and I’m really proud to take the win today. It was a great battle, and I gained the advantage at the end of the race. I’m really happy today—the course was amazing!”
