Tor des Géants 2015: Patrick Bohard and Sonia Locatelli take lead after yesterday's start

At the La Thuile checkpoint the first two athletes dropped out of the race, #988 and #989. At La Saux, at the foot of the ascent up to Deffeyes, Christophe La Saux and Lisa Borzani took the lead, but the next kilometers of particularly challenging ascents and descents witnessed numerous changes at the front.

Patrick Bohard was the first to reach the first life base after 48.6 km at Valgrisenche, and he was greeted by a large number of fans who managed to heat the somewhat “cool" checkpoint. He had just enough time to change his clothes, helped by his assistant in what seemed a tried-and-tested routine, before Gianluca Galeati trotted in four minutes later. Smiling and unassuming, the Italian was also available for short interviews. Dan Doherty arrived two minutes later and, without an assistant, got changed with ease before heading off for a bite to eat.

Christophe Le Saux finished provisional fourth, at 17.40. Patrick Bohard arrived at 17.41 and set off so quickly that Le Saux playfully called after him: "Patrick wait for me!". But to no avail, the 51-year-old from Villers le Lac continued straight along his journey. As they left the checkpoint two others entered, namely Pablo Criado, as ever relaxed and happy, and Peter Kienzl who had reached the La Thuile 27th. Talk about a comeback.

The women’s race across Col of Crosatie unfolded in rapid succession and in the following order: Denise Zimmermann from Switzerland, Sonia Locatelli and Lisa Borzani from Italy. This order changed down at the distant Valgrisenche checkpoint, where at 18.32 local Valle d’Aosta Sonia Locatelli received a huge round of applause for her record-breaking time. Denise Zimmermann checked in 6 minutes later, stating her “legs were a bit tired”, possibly still feeling the strain after having placed 3rd at the recent UTMB. Or maybe it was because she remembered that she’d been bitten by a dog during the race, which nevertheless didn’t prevent her from placing 3rd overall.

and a short distance from each other: Denise Zimmermann, Swiss, Sonia Locatelli and Lisa Borzani, Italian through and through The private but still far based life Valgrisenche the order changes. Log in to the first Aosta Valley Donnas Sonia Locatelli, including a number of industrial applause really, to 18.32. Denise Zimmermann follows six minutes, he said to have a bit 'of "the tired leg", even for the recent third nell'Utmb French. Or maybe he is remembering that last year just one leg had been bitten by a dog, but not preventing it to get on the podium of the Tor. Lisa Borzani, Padua, comes down like an arrow - although there is no need to cause the sky - really all smiles and waves, slipping into the structure for a very short rest at 18.42. Lisa Borzani raced downhill as fast as lightening - even if it’s probably better not to taunt the weather gods - and finished provisional 4th, smiling and greeting everyone as she checked in for a quick rest at 18.42.