Orguè and Gonon Bellevarde VK winners |
The Vertical Kilometer® specialists are just that and today Laura Orguè, Skyrunning World Champion and François Gonon proved yet again that they’re on top. First of the 2015 Skyrunner® Vertical Series races, the Face de Bellevarde VK hosted a world-class line-up in Val d’Isère, France. The standing records remain on this historical course that inaugurated the second-ever Vertical Kilometer® in 1996. It’s also one of the highest VK’s, topping out at 2,809m at the summit of the famous Olympic downhill ski run. Today’s clear skies and high temperature made for a gruelling challenge with an incline over 50% on the last stretch. Just two weeks after winning the European Vertical Championship in Chamonix, François Gonon summited in 35’09”, leaving Marco De Gasperi’s long standing 34’41” intact. Second were Yoann Sect in 35’53” and third, Nejc Kuhar, in 35’58”. Vertical World Champion Laura Orguè fell just 5” short of her record set here last year closing in 40’57”. Christel Dewalle in 41’16” was second and Vanesa Ortega, third in 44’05”. The skyrunning events continue here on Sunday with the Skyrunning European Ultra Championships with the Ice-Trail Tarentaise, also valid for Skyrunner® World Series points. Follow all the action live here 2015 Skyrunner® World Series partner Alpina Watches will present the new Alpina Watches Horological Smartwatch to the men’s and women’s European Champions. Extract Men 1. François Gonon (FRA) - SCOTT Sports – 35’09” 2. Yoann Sect (FRA) – 35’53” 3. Nejc Kuhar (SLO) – La Sportiva – 35’58” Women 1. Laura Orguè (ESP) – Salomon – 40’57” 2. Christel Dewalle (FRA) – adidas – 41’16” 3. Vanesa Ortega (ESP) – Trango World – 44’05” Follow us on Facebook and twitter for updates Race websites
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