Ski Mountaineering: exciting Sprint Finale under blue skies

LUCERNE (SUI) – The final day of competition delivered an electrifying conclusion under perfect weather conditions. The sprint event, set to debut at the 2026 Olympic Games, provided a spectacular highlight to cap off an unforgettable tournament.

Athletes faced a demanding elimination-format course, mirroring the second half of the previous day’s route. The track tested their skills with a steep ascent, a short running section, and a challenging technical descent. With approximately 60 meters of elevation gain, the event was a true test of speed, endurance, and precision—all within a blistering 2.5 to 3 minutes.

The day kicked off with a qualification round, where competitors battled for a place in the heats. After a series of intense elimination races, the top six athletes advanced to the finals. Due to the larger field in the men’s category, finalists completed the course four times, while the women’s final consisted of three rounds.

Podium performances

In the men’s competition, Nicolo Ernesto Canclini (ITA) showcased his dominance, claiming the gold medal. Andreas Mayer (AUT) secured silver, while Switzerland’s Patrick Perreten thrilled the home crowd with a strong performance, earning bronze.

On the women’s side, Marianne Fatton (SUI) delivered an outstanding race to take gold. Lena Bonnel (FRA) followed closely, securing silver, while Tatjana Paller (GER) rounded off the podium with bronze.

Toni Niffeler, organizer of the ski mountaineering events, reflected on the competition’s success: "We are very proud that everything went smoothly. While we faced some minor challenges, they were swiftly resolved. It’s especially rewarding to see Switzerland add two more medals on this final day."

A celebration to remember

The final ski mountaineering medals were awarded in a celebratory evening ceremony, where athletes proudly received their honors. With one last night to enjoy in Lucerne, competitors now look forward to tomorrow’s grand closing ceremony—a fitting conclusion to an event filled with unforgettable performances, camaraderie, and lasting memories for both athletes and spectators.

• Full results: https://www.cism-wmc.ch/en/ranking

• Event photos: https://share.dma.swiss/s/poZoWrNm6ADwkg9

(Source: https://www.cism-wmc.ch/ – WINOC 25)