The world’s best SkiMo athletes gathered today in the French Alps for the first Vertical race of the season.
The race was held on a well-known segment of 3.2 kilometers with 520 meters of elevation. Records were at stake – and the men’s record fell!
Courchevel, December 15, 2024 – Vertical races are the ultimate test of power and endurance, challenging athletes to achieve the fastest time on an uphill-only course. Today’s race followed a time-trial format on Courchevel’s renowned Millet Ski Touring Courchevel track.
Women’s Race: First Win of the season for Axelle Gachet Mollaret
Despite not feeling at her best, Axelle Gachet Mollaret claimed victory with a time of 25:30. She was closely followed by compatriot Emily Harrop (25:42.9) and Austria’s Sarah Dreier (25:57.5).
Axelle Gachet Mollaret remains the current record holder with a time of 23:41, set in 2022. Rounding out the top five were Italy’s Alba De Silvestro (26:16.4) and Spain’s Malek Osa Ansa (26:42.1).
Men’s Race: Rémi Bonnet breaks his own record
Switzerland’s Rémi Bonnet delivered an extraordinary performance, dominating the race with a time of 19:47.9 and breaking his previous record by nearly a minute (former record: 20:30).
His compatriot Aurélien Gay secured second place with a time of 21:38.2, followed closely by France’s Xavier Gachet (21:45.7). Completing the top five were France’s Jay Paul (21:46.6) and Belgium’s Maximilien Drion (21:46.7).
⏱️👉 Check the detailed times and ranking
Discover the track on Strava
The next World Cup event will take place in Shahdag, Azerbaijan, featuring three disciplines: Sprint, Vertical, and Individual.
