Thursday, March 14, 2025 – Schladming (Austria)
Today marked the first race of this ISMF World Cup in Schladming. Just like last year, the competition kicked off in the rain from Planai Stadium.
The course featured 600m of elevation gain, with particularly steep sections, made even more challenging by the difficult weather conditions.
Men’s Race Highlights
A total of 41 athletes lined up at the start, with the race kicking off at 14:10 (CET).
As expected, Rémi Bonnet (SUI) took the lead right from the start. He was the man to beat! Maximilien Drion (BEL) fought hard to stay with the Swiss athlete, while the chasers ensured they didn’t break away. Paul Verbnjak (AUT), racing on home soil, settled into third place, with Thibault Anselmet (FRA) in fourth, followed closely by a group of Austrians just behind them.
Midway through the course, the rain turned to snow.
Rémi Bonnet maintained his lead, though he glanced back a few times, something rarely seen from him. After 19 minutes and 10 seconds, he crossed the finish line and secured victory.
Just behind him, the battle for the podium was intense.
50 meters before the finish, Maximilien Drion was caught by Thibault Anselmet, who claimed second place. Paul Verbnjak gave it his all to reach the podium, but it wasn’t enough. Maximilien Drion held on to third, marking his 10th World Cup podium.
Rémi Bonnet’s Reaction
“I’m happy with my performance today. The rain at the start and then the snow midway made it a tough race, but I did well, and finally, I’m back on top at Planai, so I’m really happy. I think being expected to win is a strength, it adds a little pressure, but it’s the kind of pressure I need.”
TOP 5
BONNET RÉMI (SUI) – 19:10.9
ANSELMET THIBAULT (FRA) – 19:41.6
DRION DU CHAPOIS MAXIMILIEN (BEL) – 19:43.1
VERBNJAK PAUL (AUT) – 19:45.0
SOSTIZZO MATTEO (ITA) – 19:48.1
Women Race Highlights
The race started at 14:38 (CET) with 27 women lining up at the start.
In the opening meters, a small lead group emerged, featuring Tove Alexandersson (SWE), Sarah Dreier (AUT), Emily Harrop (FRA), Ana Alonso (ESP), Alba De Silvestro (ITA), Celia Périllat-Pessey (FRA), and Yuzhen Cidan (CHN).
Midway through the race, Tove Alexandersson had built a gap over Emily Harrop, who also secured a relatively comfortable lead over the chasing group.
In the final stretch, Tove Alexandersson crossed the finish line first in 22 minutes and 37 seconds, claiming her first Vertical race victory of the season! 18 seconds later, Emily Harrop secured second place, followed by Alba De Silvestro, who fought a tough battle with Sarah Dreier until the final section of the course.
Tove Alexandersson’s Reaction
“It was a very tough race, with the steep sections and the weather conditions. I finished absolutely exhausted, but it was really nice. I was never sure of the win because I was so tired, so I just kept focusing on pushing until the finish line.”
TOP 5
ALEXANDERSSON TOVE – 22:37.4
HARROP EMILY – 22:55.8
DE SILVESTRO ALBA – 23:09.2
DREIER SARAH – 23:35.4
VERONESE ILARIA – 24:19.4
Local Organizing Committe
Director of LOC: Erwin Mayer
ISMF Official Representative: Pierre Dupont
ISMF Technical Delegate: Rocco Romagna
ISMF Jury President: Antoni Massagué
ISMF Referees: Jörg Fegg + Silviu Balan
ISMF VAR Referee: Dariusz Finster
National Referees: Lucas Kolb + Peter Gruber
LOC Race Director: Hannes Mayerl
LOC Track Director: Harald Danklmaier
Media: Martin Weigl
