Round 15 - MILLET SKI TOURING COURCHEVEL - Wednesday 23 March 2016

Huge success with La Compagnie Créole and record turnout at the final of the Millet Ski Touring Courchevel 2016!

The Millet Ski Touring season ended in a blaze of glory, with 525 participants at the start and 448 at the finish of this final stage of the Millet Ski Touring Courchevel 2016 this Wednesday 23 March. Costumes were out for this 15th and last ski mountaineering climb of the season, which has been done in fancy dress since the beginning. A tradition respected once again, with almost all the competitors wearing very varied and original costumes. Even though conviviality and good humour took precedence over the clock, which was not the main priority, a few athletes had nevertheless come to try to win a place on the podium of the season’s overall standings.

The superhero Alexis Sévennec, the Iron Man of the evening, used his superpowers to come first in this 3.2 km climb with 500 m of elevation gain between Le Praz and Courchevel 1850, with a time of 23min13? Next came Florent Perrier in 23min28s and Joris Périllat Pessey in 23min33s.

Among the women, decked out in West Indian flower garlands, the ski mountaineering world champion Laetitia Roux won the climb in 27min02s ahead of her Pierra Menta team-mate Axelle Mollaret, who finished in 27min09s. The Swiss ski mountaineering champion Jennifer Fiechter took third place in 27min52s.

Of the 15 rounds on this winter’s programme, 12 were run on the official MSTC Vertical Race course (3.2 km and 500 m of elevation gain) and counted towards the 2015-2016 MSTC overall standings. The 3 races held early in the season on the fallback course because of the lack of snow were not counted. In total, 2,235 starts were recorded and 955 different competitors were ranked. Guillaume Prin, president of the organising association “Courchevel Sports Alpinisme”, and his whole team of volunteers are delighted with such a success, which grows every year.

La Compagnie Créole made the birds laugh and the squirrels sing…

This climb was a special one: it was the 100th! This race began on Wednesday 10 December 2010. For the occasion a big party was planned, with many surprises to enliven the evening, including a live DJ at the finish area and fluorescent hats given to all spectators at the entrance to the gymnasium. A buffet prepared by the “Comptoir Gourmand” delighted the runners after their efforts. A huge birthday cake from the same caterer and a chocolate fountain from “La Piste Noire” whetted the appetites of all the spectators and participants. The famous sports journalist Nelson Monfort was also among the surprises, hosting the prize-giving alongside Ludovic Collet, our official announcer at the biggest outdoor events. Our friend Nelson gave his latest book, signed, “Les perles des journalistes sportifs”, to 200 participants drawn by lot.

To close the evening, Clémence, Johanna, José, Guy and Julien of La Compagnie Créole set more than a thousand spectators alight by prolonging this carnival atmosphere: a great party that will remain etched in memories for a long time.

Mathéo Jacquemoud and Laetitia Roux take the official record of the Millet Ski Touring Courchevel 2015-2016.

At the top of the overall standings of this 6th season of the Millet Ski Touring Courchevel are Mathéo Jacquemoud in 22min55s and Laetitia Roux in 26min48s. Frédéric Ducruet, managing director of the Millet Mountain Group, and Jean-Pierre Millet presented each with the “René and Raymond Millet” crystal trophy (named after the founders of Millet), accompanied by €2,000 in prize money. Alexis Sévennec (23min13s) and Axelle Mollaret (27min09s) were rewarded with €1,250 in prize money for their second place. Florent Perrier (23min28s) and Jennifer Fiechter (27min52s) completed the podium, winning €750 in prize money.

Sébastien Figliolini , manager of the partner shop “Le Camp De Base” and 1998 Pierra Menta winner, gave substantial shopping vouchers to the winners of each category.

1st Senior-Veteran (60+): Peter Kounen in 31min27s and Lesley Pinkerton in 40min29s.
1st Veteran: Florent Perrier in 23min28s and Corinne Favre in 28min10s.
1st Senior: Mathéo Jacquemoud in 22min55s and Laetitia Roux in 26min48s.
1st Espoir: Joris Périllat Pesssey in 23min33s and Florette Camoin in 34min14s.
1st Junior: Samuel Equy in 24min06s and Cloé Joly in 34min42s.
1st Cadet: Alban Raisin in 27min06s and Justine Tonso in 29min26s.
1st Minime: Malo Lions in 30min33s and Zoé Raoult in 40min28s.
1st Benjamin: Théo Leduc in 44min35s and Elisa Blanc in 41min04s.