Sarah Dreier and Remi Bonnet win Ski Mountaineering World Cup 2024 Vertical

Perfect snow and weather conditions welcomed the 110 participants, from 24 nations, on the opening day of the ISMF Cortina World Cup Finals. The Vertical race was dominated by the Swiss team, who managed to deliver a podium sweep on the men’s competition, while on the women’s race it was Axelle Gachet-Molleret claiming the victory on the day, and Sarah Dreier the overall crown reserved for the season champion.

In the men’s race, Swiss sensation Remi Bonnet once again proved his mastery of the vertical discipline, claiming victory with a commanding performance. Bonnet, who has dominated the vertical races throughout the season, showcased his unparalleled speed as he powered through the grueling ascent before crossing the finish line in first place. Marti Werner of Switzerland secured the silver medal, finishing 33 seconds behind the winner, while Aurelien Gay completed the podium sweep for Switzerland with a bronze medal finish.

Bonnet’s victory not only secured him the top spot on the podium but also clinched the Crystal Globe for the Vertical World Cup rankings, cementing his status as the undisputed champion of the vertical discipline. Meanwhile, Werner’s second-place finish propelled him to second in the season rankings, surpassing Thibault Anselmet of France, who claimed third place overall.

In the women’s race, France’s Axelle Gachet-Molleret emerged victorious, setting a blistering pace to cross the finish line 84 seconds ahead of her closest competitor, Sarah Dreier of Austria. Dreier’s impressive performance was enough to secure her the Vertical World Cup season rankings victory, edging out Alba de Silvestro of Italy, who finished fourth in the race. Tove Alexandersson of Sweden claimed the bronze medal on the day, while Emily Harrop of Great Britain secured third place in the season rankings.

With the Vertical World Cup season now concluded, athletes will turn their focus to the remaining races of the ISMF Cortina World Cup Finals, eager to continue their pursuit of glory on the slopes of Cortina.