Ponte di Legno, 24 March 2023 – The World Cup is taking a break before the last round in Norway, but tomorrow in Ponte di Legno (Italy), we will get to know the new world champions on the longest distance.
Adamello Ski Raid is one of the biggest ski mountaineering races in Adamello-Brenta Natural Park. This year’s race is the 8th edition, with the first dating back to 2006. This year 125 teams from 15 countries will participate in the open race. 13 men’s and 8 women’s teams will race for the Long Distance Team World title.
The Adamello Ski Raid is always long, technical and demanding one. This year is no exception, as the course is 39 kilometres long, with 3115 metres of ascent and 3455 negative metres. The track leads from Passo del Tonale through Passo Presena (2990 m), Punta Venerocolo (3312 m), Cresta Croce (3307 m) and Passo Tre Denti (2996 m) to the finish line in Ponte di Legno. The race starts at 6:00 CET.
The key element of Adamello Ski Raid is the elevation. Between the first and last top, Passo Presena and Passo Tre Denti, the lowest point will be Lago del Mandrone – 2400 m. The last downhill to the finish line will also be crucial, as it has 1736 m of negative metres.
Last year’s Long Distance World Champions in both categories are ready to defend their title in the Adamello mountains. Emily Harrop & Axelle Gachet-Mollaret recently won the Team race together at the WCH in Boí Taüll and the Pierra Menta. Mathéo Jacquemoud & Samuel Equy finished 3rd at the Pierra Menta and 4th in Boí Taüll.
Matteo Eydallin & Robert Antonioli, the current World Champions in the Team race from Boí Taüll, are the biggest Italian hope for the gold. Two of the best skimo athletes in history will try to add another title to their palmarés. William Bon Mardion & Xavier Gachet (France) were close to winning the gold in Boí Taüll. At the Pierra Menta, they won two stages, so they are coming to Ponte di Legno with the highest expectations.
In the women’s category, Emily Harrop & Axelle Gachet-Mollaret are the clear favourites of the race. However, the home duo, Giulia Murada & Alba De Silvestro, will try to stay in contact and put pressure on the French team. It will be a long day for the women as they will tackle the same marathon course. Candice & Léna Bonnel (France), Alessandra Schmid & Caroline Ulrich (Switzerland), and Giulia Compagnoni & Ilaria Veronese (Italy) are aiming for the last spot on the podium.
Previous winners of the ISMF-LGC WCH:
2022 Women – Emily Harrop & Axelle Gachet-Mollaret (France)
2022 Men – Mathéo Jacquemoud & Samuel Equy (France)
2021 Women – Alba De Silvestro & Giulia Murada (Italy)
2021 Men – Davide Magnini & Michele Boscacci (Italy)
For the start list, click HERE.
The course details can be found HERE.
