Round 10 - MILLET SKI TOURING COURCHEVEL - Wednesday 12 February 2025

The end of season 15 of the Millet Ski Touring Courchevel is going to be magical! 

188 ski mountaineers crowded the start of the 10th round of the Millet Ski Touring Courchevel this Wednesday 12 February, a figure that should rise above 200 over the next 3 Wednesdays before the finale on Monday 10 March. This grand costume climax will bring together more than 800 participants for this great ski mountaineering party, which will end with the phenomenal concert by Fatal Bazooka and Friends.

Two great sailors and renowned skippers took part in this 10th round. Winner of the 8th Vendée Globe 2016/2017 and of the 2023 Transat Jacques Vabre, Armel Le Cleac’h , in the midst of preparing for the 2025 Route du Rhum, finished in 46min07s. Vincent Riou, of the 5th Vendée Globe 2004/2005, completed the 3.2 km and 500 m of elevation gain of this Vertical Race course in 47min45s. A lovely discovery for these sea enthusiasts, who leave with a fine silver medal before heading back out to sea. 

As last year, a delegation from the Reinach lycée was also present at this 3rd Plum special of the season under the full moon. Young Thomas David, a pupil at the school, was the lucky winner of the pair of bindings put up in the prize draw among all participants.

Mathéo Jacquemoud in search of the top 10

After winning La Belle Etoile 2025 in a pair with Samuel Equy, Mathéo Jacquemoud won this 10th round in 22min36s, a performance close to his personal best of the season (22min23s), which puts him 21st in the provisional overall standings. Given his form, he can aim for the top 10 by gaining 23 seconds, or even second place, which is only 45 seconds away. “I had better feelings than last time. I thought I could do better, but in the end the wet snow on the first section didn’t allow for good glide,” Mathéo said at the finish. 

Jules Raybaud, a member of the Haute-Savoie Committee, came second in 23min44s ahead of Frédéric Perrin of BGSA, 3rd in 25min50s. 

Perrine Gindre, queen of the evening

On the women’s side, the number 2 was the one to watch. 

2nd win of the season for Perrine Gindre of team Isère Montagne in 28min30s, a performance that confirms her 3rd place at La Belle étoile 2025 paired with Anne-Lise Desjaques. 

2nd step of the podium for Marie Charlotte Iratzoquy of Méribel in 29min13s. 

2nd consecutive podium for Clémence David of Valmorel in 31min25s after her second place last week. 

Billed as a guest star for this round, Emily Harrop, 2nd in the provisional overall standings, had to withdraw the day before and did not take the start. 

Big crowds expected next week  

Many holidaymakers are expected next Wednesday for the 11th round. While many elites and ski mountaineering specialists come to fight for the places of honour in this Vertical Race, which has become the absolute benchmark in the field, it is worth remembering that this race is open to everyone. Many amateurs and even beginners come to test themselves among all these top names in a fairytale landscape lit by headtorches. In the end, it is always the smiles that win out when crossing the finish line, along with the desire to come back after enjoying the good soup from the cauldron in a very friendly atmosphere. 

Next date: Millet Ski Touring Courchevel on Wednesday 19 February 2025