Round 15 - DYNAFIT SKI TOURING COURCHEVEL - 12 March 2014

Véronique Lathuraz and Tony Portanier take the 15th stage of the Dynafit Ski Touring Courchevel.

Success was once again the order of the day at this 15th stage of the Dynafit Ski Touring Courchevel, with 143 ski tourers present. The start of this 3.2 km time trial with 500 m of elevation gain between Le Praz and Courchevel 1850 was exceptionally given at 6.30 pm instead of 6 pm. With the days getting longer, participants were able to enjoy the sunset at the beginning of the course before gradually plunging into darkness.

For this 15th climb of the season, the men’s podium was 100% filled by members of the association “Courchevel Sports Alpinisme”, with in first position Tony Portanier of ESF Courchevel 1550, who finished in 25min35s, thus setting the best time of the evening for the ESF challenge standings. William Perrier, a member of the French Junior ski mountaineering team, took second position in 26min02s and left third place to Rémi Berchet in 26min04s.

Among the women, it was Véronique Lathuraz, multiple winner of the Pierra Menta, who won the climb in 34min13s ahead of Claude Chenal in 35min05s and Florence Page (Courchevel Sports Alpinisme) in 35min12s.
Pauline Caillet of ESF Courchevel 1850 finished just off the podium in 35min16s and set the best time in the evening’s women’s ESF standings.

Among the resort’s elected officials, Fernand Mugnier made a very fine ascent on his first participation of the season in 1h03min. With a time of 47min41s for Dominique Chapuis and 40min34s for Philippe Mugnier, both managed to beat their personal records.

Fine performances were also noted among the youngsters, beginning with the youngest of the field, Zoé Raoult, born in 2003, who finished in 50min46s. And among those born in 2002, Audrey Cogérino, who posted a nice time of 46min44s, and Malo Lions, who improved on last week’s stunning time by finishing this time in 35min17s.

The penultimate climb of the season will take place on Wednesday 19 March at 6 pm, before the final on 26 March, which will be a grand finale with free registration for everyone who comes in fancy dress and the closing meal prepared by the partner hotel “Le Chabichou” offered to all participants.