Chinese Dominance in the Vertical Race.
Today, amidst the snow of Crevacol in Saint-Rhémy-en-Bosses, in the stunning setting of the Great St. Bernard Valley in Aosta Valley, the two-day ISMF World Cup event dedicated to U20 and U18 youth categories concluded. Despite severe weather that forced organizers to shorten the course to a 345-meter positive elevation gain, the competition showcased outstanding performances. With the spectacular Vertical Race, around 100 international athletes from 14 nations delivered two days of high-level competition.
The event was dominated by the Chinese team, who triumphed across all four categories, securing the top spot on the podium in each race.
U20 Men
The U20 men’s competition was intense, with a tight finish. Bu Luer clinched the victory with an exceptional time of 12:52.0, closely followed by teammate Bi Yuxin, just five seconds behind (12:57.0). Austria’s Wolf Silvano took third place with 13:04.9, showing great resilience. Completing the top five were Italy’s Erik Canovi (13:20.7) and Switzerland’s Théo Voutaz (13:27.9).
U20 Women
In the U20 women’s race, China’s Cidan Yuzhen dominated with a time of 15:31.2. Spain’s Laia Selles Sanchez claimed second place with 15:43.4, while France’s Beck Lili finished third at 16:05.2. Following them were Camille Maupoix (16:22.6) and Italy’s Silvia Boscacci (16:44.9), rounding out a strong top five.
U18 Men
The U18 men’s competition was won by China’s Gongsong Langjia, who crossed the finish line in 13:30. Germany’s Bauregger Moritz (13:46.6) and France’s Sulpice Paul (13:49.4) completed the podium with excellent performances. Norway’s Iver Holen (13:52.3) and France’s Josselin Victor (14:04.5) placed fourth and fifth, respectively.
U18 Women
In the U18 women’s category, Pumu Ani delivered a stellar performance, stopping the clock at 16:32.4. Italy’s Teresa Schivalocchi secured second place with 17:07.9, followed by teammate Giorgia Pollini at 17:10.0. Spain’s Bogonez Martin Emma (17:53.6) and Ramirez Tio Maria (18:08.7) completed the top five.
About the ISMF:
Founded in 2007, the ISMF is the global governing body for competitive ski mountaineering. Since 2016, the organisation has been officially recognised by the International Olympic Committee. Its main goals are the promotion, regulation and development of the sport of ski mountaineering worldwide. Based in Lausanne, Switzerland, the ISMF’s membership consists of 53 national federations located in Americas, Asia, Europe and Oceania. The ISMF organizes ski mountaineering Senior and Youth World Cups, as well as Masters and World Championships. For the first time, ski mountaineering was a medal sport at the 2020 Youth Olympic Games in Lausanne, Switzerland, and has been included in the programme of the 2026 Milano-Cortina Olympic Winter Games.
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