Monte Rosa Ski Raid: Lenzi & Eydallin and Besseghini & Nicolini win first edition

The first ever Monte Rosa Ski Raid ski mountaineering competition took place on Sunday morning at Alpe di Burky, just above Italy’s Macugnaga. Organized by the local Anzasca ski club, the race followed a technical and challenging line, set by Fabio Iacchini, below the the immense east face of Monte Rosa.18.7 kilometers long, the route breached 1850m elevation gain via in three ascents, and dropped a total of 2120m. The fifty teams who had gathered to take part in this historical first edition were greeted by higher than average spring temperatures.

The competition went down to the wire and the two leading teams Lenzi-Eydallin and Lanfranchi-Boffelli remained only seconds apart until the long, final descent into Staffa. During the first climb these two teams were joined by Michele Boscacci and Robert Antonioli, but then failed to keep up with the leaders.

After the third descent, after a short section raced on foot, Lenzi-Eydallin began their descent towards Staffa with a 10 second lead and won the competition in 2.01’.46’’, 1’21’’ ahead of Lanfranchi-Boffelli

In the women's event victory went to pre-competition favorites Elena Nicolini e Laura Besseghini, who won the Italian championship ahead of the two Valle d’Aosta sisters Katrin Bieller and Annie Bieller. Nicolini-Besseghini led from the outset and finished after 2:52’00’; the Bieller sisters raced superbly to stop the clock after 3:01’05’’, while Monica Sortogo and Anna Finizio placed third after 3:19’33’’.

Info: www.rosaskiraid.it

DOWNLOAD THE RESULTS
- Official results ABSOLUTE
- Official results PER CATEGORY