Stage 2 – Pierra Menta
The second stage of the iconic Pierra Menta unfolded today under clear skies in Arêches‑Beaufort, offering athletes another punishing test through the steep ridgelines and deep valleys of the Beaufortain. After yesterday’s explosive opener, Stage 2 brought new dynamics, new tactics, and new leaders emerging in both the men’s and women’s competitions.
Stage 2 Track Profile
Men’s race – Bon Mardion & Gachet reclaim control
In a powerful display of consistency and experience, the French duo William Bon Mardion and Xavier Gachet (Team 5) claimed the Stage 2 victory with a time of 3:25:32. The pair moved fluidly across the technical sections and defended their lead with authority in the final descent.
Only 30 seconds behind, fellow Frenchmen Samuel Equy and Anselme Damevin (Team 6) secured second place in 3:26:02, keeping their overall ambitions very much alive after winning Stage 1.
The podium was completed by one of the strongest international pairings in the field: Anton Palzer (GER) and Nadir Maguet (ITA) of Team 38, who crossed the line in 3:28:08, 2:36 behind the leaders.
Stage 2 – Men’s Top 3
Team 5 – Bon Mardion / Gachet (FRA) – 3:25:32
Team 6 – Equy / Damevin (FRA) – 3:26:02 (+0:30)
Team 38 – Palzer / Maguet (GER / ITA) – 3:28:08 (+2:36)
With two stages now completed, the tension at the top continues to build, setting the stage for an intense battle in the days ahead.
Stage 2 – ISMF World Championships Long Distance – Top 3
Team 5 – Bon Mardion / Gachet (FRA) – 3:25:32
Team 6 – Equy / Damevin (FRA) – 3:26:02 (+0:30)
Team 2 – Tritscher / Wolf (AUT) – 3:35:51 (+10:19)
Women’s race – Gachet-Mollaret & Perrillat-Pessey deliver a dominant performance
After the dramatic sprint finish in Stage 1, the women’s field reshuffled today with a commanding performance by Axelle Gachet‑Mollaret and Célia Perrillat‑Pessey (Team 252). The French duo controlled the race from early on and secured the stage victory in 3:57:18, opening a significant margin over their rivals.
Yesterday’s winners, Emily Harrop and Margot Ravinel (Team 253), followed in second place with a time of 4:00:02, finishing 2 minutes and 44 seconds behind.
The Italian team Alba De Silvestro and Lisa Moreschini (Team 251) confirmed their consistency by taking third place again, clocking 4:11:07.
Stage 2 – Women’s Top 3 and ISMF World Championships Long Distance Top 3
Team 252 – Gachet‑Mollaret / Perrillat‑Pessey (FRA) – 3:57:18
Team 253 – Harrop / Ravinel (FRA) – 4:00:02 (+2:44)
Team 251 – De Silvestro / Moreschini (ITA) – 4:11:07 (+13:49)
The French squads now sit firmly atop the women’s overall standings, setting the tone for an exciting second half of the race.
