ISMF WORLD CUP BOÍ TAULL 2024: SPRINT RACE VICTORIES FOR ANSELMET AND HARROP

Posted by Corriendo la Vida on January 27, 2024 in boi taull, ismf, ismf skimo, ismf world cup, ismf world cup 2024, ismf world cup boi taull 2024 | Leave a comment

ISMF WORLD CUP BOÍ TAULL 2024: SPRINT RACE VICTORIES FOR ANSELMET AND HARROP. Our SKI MOUNTAINEERING section bring us the first results from the ISMF World Cup in boi Taull.

Magnificent day for Team France this Saturday on the first race of the ISMF World Cup Boi Taull, with Emily Harrop claiming the victory with a photofinish sprint, and her teammate Thibault Anselmet producing an incredible last leg to deliver his second ever win on a Sprint race.

Photo ISMF Sprint Race Boi Taull 2024

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ISMF WORLD CUP BOÍ TAULL 2024:
SPRINT RACE VICTORIES FOR ANSELMET AND HARROP

Third year in a row that the ISMF circuit had a stop in Boi Taull, on the heart of the Spanish Pyrenees, and despite the lack of snow, the course was ready to welcome the athletes, from 16 countries. Sun shinning bright, icy slopes, a steep segment before getting off the skis and 35 steps to face a descent with a tricky 180º turn before crossing the finish line that proved to be challenging for some athletes.

WOMEN RACES

Marianna Jagercikova from Slovakia took an early lead and navigated the two sets of diamonds with precision, establishing a clear advantage over the rest of the field. Emily Harrop, facing difficulties but refusing to yield, fought to maintain her position, while Marta Garcia (Spain), Ana Alonso (Spain), and Celia Perillat-Pessey (France) engaged in a fierce battle for the remaining podium spot.

After leading during the whole race, Harrop never lost hope and made it to the last turn before the finish line just a couple of meters behind the experienced Jagercikova, who didn’t look back facing the finish and didn’t see the incredible last push coming from Harrop. The thrilling conclusion had to be decided by a photofinish, ultimately resulting in Harrop claiming the gold medal.

The bronze medal went to Perillat-Pessey, marking her best result in a Sprint race this season. The Spanish contenders, Marta Garcia and Ana Alonso, secured the fourth and fifth positions, respectively, while Marianne Fatton (Switzerland) rounded out the top six.

Photo ISMF Sprint Race Boi Taull 2024, Women podium.

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MEN RACES

On the men’s race, all eyes were set on Oriol Cardona (ESP) but the Spaniard struggled a bit today and only made it to the final as the second lucky loser of the semifinals, delivering some transitions that were not as flawless as he usually performs.

As the final began, Robin Galindo (France) aggressively took the lead, closely followed by Cardona and Arno Lietha (Switzerland). However, a pivotal moment occurred when Galindo lost a ski on the last diamond, providing an opportunity for Cardona and Lietha to overtake him. The two athletes, neck-and-neck, tackled the final ascent and steps, recalling their thrilling battles from the previous year.

A challenging transition opened the door for Thibault Anselmet, who surged from behind to claim the top position, slightly ahead of Cardona and Lietha. Despite a somewhat messy removal of the skins, Anselmet initiated the descent in the lead, with Lietha, Cardona, and Arnaud Gasser (Switzerland) in pursuit. Cardona, determined to secure second place, navigated the course’s bumps and narrowly avoided missing a gate. In the end, Anselmet crossed the finish line in first place, marking his second-ever victory in a Sprint race on the World Cup circuit. Lietha secured second place, and Cardona finished in third.

Arnaud Gasser claimed the fourth position, Florian Sautel (France) secured fifth place, and Robin Galindo closed the final in sixth place.

Photo ISMF Sprint Race Boi Taull 2024, Mens podium.