The weather shines at its best on the slope of Les Marrades in Arinsal.
Kilian Jornet was the clear winner of the Senior Males category of the Vertical race of the Font Blanca 2016, whilst among the women it was Spanish skier Laura Orgué who, after a great performance yesterday on the Individual race, obtain a great victory on today’s Vertical race. Great start of the Ski Mountaineering World Cup for Jornet who, with a double win, remains the main reference for all his rivals in his categories, as for the women, it’s the Spanish team and Swedish skier Emelie Forsberg who get some advantage. However, in this latter group, it is worth keeping in mind that Laetitia Roux came to Andorra not feeling 100% physically.
The second day of the FB’16 competition took place on a slope known as Les Marrades and under completely different weather conditions to the ones endured on the inauguration day. At 8am, the temperature was -8º but the sun was shining strong, which was greatly appreciated both by the participants and by the huge amount of fans who either dared to try the course on their skis or otherwise decided to drive to the middle parking area in Arinsal from where they could follow most of the race.
ISMF WORLD CUP Senior males.
If Kilian Jornet takes part in a race, no matter which kind of race it might be, he is always the favourite to win it. Once again the previsions came true. The Catalan skier started his attack half way through the race and left behind his immediate rivals unable to follow him. Up to that moment, it was Remi Bonnet, winner of the Senior Espoir category, and Michele Boscacci who were leading the group of participants.
Jornet finished the race in 26’50”371, leaving Bonnet 23”945 behind, whilst the Italian skier was 32”301 slower than the winner.
The young Swiss skier, Remi Bonnet, was the big surprise of this first Vertical race of the ISMF World Cup. At only 20 years of age, he was second overall amongst the senior participants; this was his opinion at the end of the race: I felt very much at ease during the race, I’m currently very fit. But Kilian is from an all together different galaxy. As of now, I can’t follow his pace.
ISMF WORLD CUP Senior females.
Laura Orgué was also able to get ahead in the female category, in this case from the very beginning of the race. Behind her, Swedish skier Emelie Forsberg and Swiss skier Victoria Kreuzer had a spectacular fight for the second place which towards the end of the event was eventually claimed by yesterday’s winner. Orgué crossed the finish line after 32’10”509, followed by Forsberg (+32”940) and Kreuzer (+35”236).
The winner of the Vertical race in Arinsal made the following comment at the end of today’s event: This is my speciality and I felt very confident on the slope from the beginning. Very pleased with the victory, I’ve had a very successful start of the ISMF World Cup 2016 in both specialities, here at the Font Blanca.
As for Laetitia Roux, initially expected to win it all and who leaves Vallnord-Arcalís without climbing any podiums, she expressed herself as follows: Getting back in shape after my injury has proven to be very hard. Moreover my rivals competitive level is very high and they have started the season very fit.
In the Espoir category, it is worth mentioning the excellent performance, including a victory, of Rémi Bonnet amongst the men. And just as spectacular a weekend for Italian skier Alba de Silvestro who managed to win both specialities.
The Junior category was dominated by the Italian team. Davide Magnini and Giulia Compagnoni, who also scored a double victory, were today’s winners.
The Font Blanca 2016 has come and gone; the organizers (Andorran Mountaineering Federation - FAM) and their assistants have spent many hours preparing the event. Their well deserved reward has been the recognition of the international organizations (ISMF) representatives, who have been present in Andorra, as well as the national entities and of course the participants and their trainers, who at the end of the day are the main target of such efforts.
 Press service.
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