Switzerland's Remi Bonnet opened up a gap of over a minute to win gold in the men's vertical race ©ISMF

Defending world champions Remi Bonnet of Switzerland and Axel Gachet-Mollaret of France both maintained their supreme standards to retain gold in the verticals at the International Ski Mountaineering Federation (ISMF) World Championships in Boi Taull.

Both had won gold in the event at the 2021 World Championships in Andorra.

In the women’s race there was no stopping outstanding favourite Gachet-Mollaret.

She had won her last eleven races and seized the advantage in the opening 100 metres. 

She came home to victory in 26min 22.9sec.

Axel Gachet-Mollaret of France fully justified her status as favourite to take gold in the women's vertical race ©ISMF
Axel Gachet-Mollaret of France fully justified her status as favourite to take gold in the women's vertical race ©ISMF

Austria’s Sarah Dreier finished in 26:55.9 to claim silver, her first medal at the World Championships.

Italy’s Alba de Silvestro finished in bronze with a time of 27:22.2.

Bonnet has also proved dominant all season and in the men’s race won in 21:54.7 over a minute and a half clear of Maximilien Drion du Chapois of Belgium who took silver in 23:05.2.

Bronze went to Gedeon Pochat Cotilloux of France after recording a time of 23:05.2.

It was the first time he had appeared on a World Championship podium.

Competition continues tomorrow with the team event.