The photos

Setting off with headtorches from Cogne
© Marco Spataro

Rest at the base at Cogne
© Marco Spataro

Arrival in the middle of the night at Planaval
© Marco Spataro

Time for a beer at Rifugio Deffeys
© Marco Spataro

Refreshment at La Thuile
© Marco Spataro

Arrival at La Thuile
© Marco Spataro

Descending towards la Thuile
© Marco Spataro

Athletes winding their way along the Arp valley
© Marco Spataro

Athletes in thick fog at Colle d'Arp
© Marco Spataro

Athletes ascending Colle d'Arp
© Marco Spataro

Athletes competing, with view onto Grandes Jorasses
© Marco Spataro

Asian athlete on day 1
© Marco Spataro

Bruno Brunod in action
© Marco Spataro

Athletes ascending Colle d'Arp
© Marco Spataro

Leading trio leaving the forest
© Marco Spataro