ROUND 5 - MILLET SKI TOURING COURCHEVEL - Wednesday 24 January 2018

Millet Ski Touring Courchevel, first American victory!

The reputation of the Millet Ski Touring Courchevel (MSTC) extends beyond borders. The international character of this ski mountaineering race, held every Wednesday on a 3.2 km Vertical Race course (straight climb) between Le Praz and Courchevel 1850, is growing over the years. Since its creation, more than forty nationalities have taken part in this event, with no fewer than 7 countries represented among the 114 entrants this Wednesday 24 January: France, United Kingdom, Turkey, Brazil, Italy, United States and Latvia.

In this international competition, many renowned foreign athletes have come to claim the records, such as Spain’s Kilian Jornet (2014 and 2015) and Mireia Miro Varela (2011), Sweden’s Emelie Forsberg (2013) and Switzerland’s Marti Werner (2017). Finland’s Joonas Kortelainen won a stage in 2017. A big first for this 5th round: the United States opened its account with the win of John Gaston in a time of 23min18s. Far from being an unknown in the discipline (10-time US champion and 11th at the 2017 ski mountaineering world championships), he won by setting the 3rd time in the provisional overall standings behind Xavier Gachet and William Bon Mardion, both members of the French ski mountaineering team. The fight for the highest step of the podium was fierce, with Léo Viret, a member of the French ski mountaineering team, finishing 20 seconds behind. Benjamin Chamoux took 3rd place in 24min30s.

Among the women, a double for Géraldine Bau , who won for the 2nd consecutive time in 31min54s. Just 6 seconds separated her from Stéphanie Duc, 2013 French trail champion and three-time winner of the extraordinary triathlon "Dynastar X3 Courchevel" (2013, 2016 and 2017). Patricia Serda completed the podium in 34min28s.

Also worth noting are the fine performances, on their first climb of the season, of Sébastien Figliolini, director of the partner shop "Le Camp de Base", with a time of 27min58s, and of Pascal De Thiersant, chairman of the management board of the Société des 3 Vallées, in 38min02s.

The Ecoles du Ski Français (ESF) in the spotlight.

This 5th stage was also an opportunity to put the emphasis on the 2018 ESF challenge by inviting instructors from all the French ski schools. The ESF Courchevel Village team led by its director Loic Lemoine received the award for the best-represented ESF with 10 competitors present. Among this delegation, Nicolas Mater won in 29min03, just missing his goal of breaking the 29-minute barrier. Denis Metge of ESF Courchevel 1850, who is returning from major knee surgery, took 2nd place in 29min57s ahead of Jean-Christophe Ambosini (ESF Aime 2000 La Plagne), 3rd in 30min17s. Other ESF Courchevel Village members in the spotlight were Pascale Gachet Mauroz, a regular at the “Millet Ski Touring Courchevel” whose birthday it was, who took an excellent second place with her best time of the season (39min11s), and Mireille Ruffier , who finished 3rd in 49min36s. On the podium, they were beaten by Claude Chevassu of ESF Courchevel 185O, who won in 38min06s. In the provisional overall scratch, ESF La Clusaz keeps the lead with Joris Perillat- Pessey (23min57s) and his sister Célia (30min10s).

At the prize-giving, as part of the “Arrête toi si tu peux” (Stop if you can) challenge set up on the initiative of ESF Courchevel Village, a challenge that rewards the most regular competitors in this competition (you must validate 3, 6, 9 or 12 rounds in the season), the first winners for 3 participations were chosen by prize draw. As a reminder, at the final on 21 March 2018, a general prize draw will be held for this challenge with quality prizes (Dynastar skis, Millet equipment or Plum bindings).

Next week will be the opportunity to take stock at mid-season after 6 rounds. The countdown will then run to the great fancy-dress final on Wednesday 21 March, followed by an exceptional concert with Emile et Images , who will bring a wild atmosphere to close this season in style as in previous years with the Compagnie Créole and Patrick Sébastien. An evening not to be missed under any circumstances! Tickets for spectators go on sale from Monday 29 January at the ice rink office of the Forum in Courchevel 1850 or online on the race website for spectators and participants.