Pierra Menta 2007 Ist stage - the results

The first stage of the Pierra Menta, the grueling four day international ski mountaineering challenge took place in the French Alps today and was won by Perrier and Gachet, and Martinelli and Pedranzini.

137 pairs set off this morning and raced up four ascents (including a couloir which required crampons) and totalled 2870m height gain. The Italians Giacomelli & Lunger led the field but Lunger fell on the final descent and the two were overtaken by the Frenchmen Perrier and Gachet who finished with a 24 second advantage. The women's event was dominated by Martinelli-Pedranzini who have a 4.45 minute lead over Corinne Favre - Natalie Bourillon.

Tomorrow's second stage will be less technical, longer, but with less height gain. Keep tuned.