Ski Mountaineering: mixed relay thrills under perfect conditions

LUCERNE (SUI) – After a well-earned rest day on Wednesday, competition resumed with an electrifying Mixed Relay event. Under clear skies and brilliant sunshine, the stage was set for an unforgettable race, offering spectators ideal conditions to witness world-class performances.

A challenging start, then perfect racing conditions

The morning began with low visibility, forcing organizers to delay the qualification rounds by 30 minutes—a decision that ultimately paid off. As soon as the races got underway, the skies cleared, providing excellent visibility along the entire course and ensuring a spectacular competition.

A test of skill, strategy, and stamina

The Mixed Relay demanded both technical expertise and tactical precision. Each team, consisting of one male and one female athlete, alternated turns, each completing two laps. The course featured a grueling 90-meter ascent, a fast-paced descent, another steep climb with a short running segment, and a rapid final descent, pushing competitors to their physical and strategic limits.

In the qualification round, athletes started at 30-second intervals, vying for the best possible starting position in the final. Adding to the excitement, even the event mascot, Murmeli, took to the course, delighting spectators.

A thrilling battle for bronze

The final began with a mass start for the women, and Switzerland’s Marianne Fatton quickly seized the lead, pursued closely by Italy’s Alba De Silvestro and Germany’s Tatjana Paller. After the first exchange, Pierre Mettan took over for Switzerland, briefly maintaining their lead before Italy, Germany, and France surged ahead.

In the third lap, Fatton mounted a determined comeback, putting Switzerland back in podium contention. The final lap was a dramatic showdown: while Italy’s Nicolò Ernesto Canclini secured a decisive victory ahead of Germany’s Finn Hösch, the race for bronze went down to the wire. Mettan delivered an explosive sprint finish, narrowly fending off France’s Baptiste Ellmenreich to claim third place for Switzerland.

A celebration of international sportsmanship

Following the official flower ceremony, the Open Relay brought a festive conclusion to the day’s events. Eleven international teams—comprising athletes, organizers, and military personnel—took part, with participants from Uzbekistan, Romania, Sweden, and the USA joining the spirited competition.

For Swiss bronze medalists Fatton and Mettan, the event was about more than just medals. “This competition is truly special—you can feel the ‘Friendship through Sport’ spirit on and off the course,” Mettan reflected. The Mixed Relay was not only a test of athleticism but also a shining example of the camaraderie that defines the Military World Winter Games.

• All results are available at: https://www.cism-wmc.ch/en/ranking

• Pictures from the events can be found here: https://share.dma.swiss/s/poZoWrNm6ADwkg9

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