The men’s race consisted of five uphills and downhills with more than 1500 D+, while women had one uphill less and approximately 1350 D+. Due to the lack of snow and freezing temperatures at night, the descents were challenging, and the way to success was through mastering them.

The men kicked off Thursday racing at 9:00. A group of the best Individual races was in the front from the start. Davide Magnini of Italy pushed hard on the second uphill but abandoned the race. The second half of the epic race was a battle between two Italian legends – Matteo Eydalling and Robert Antonioli.

Eydallin won the race ahead of his compatriot after a close battle. Antonioli lost at the finish line by only five seconds.

“I knew I was in good shape, so I tried to do my best. Rémi Bonnet was not here, so it was a good occasion. We were so close for the whole race. I went a bit faster in the last uphill to make a gap. I planned to take the downhill to the finish without risking too much. This time I won the sprint against Robert Antonioli because normally, when you are with him, it’s nearly impossible to win. Today I was lucky and smart,” said Eydallin.

The third to cross the finish line was Xavier Gachet of France, who lost just 23 seconds. Nadir Maguet of Italy finished fourth today as he did a week ago in Morgins. 39-year-old William Bon Mardion (France) lost only a minute to winner Eydallin in fifth place.

Thibault Anselmet, the number one in the overall World Cup, finished sixth and has extended his lead to 120 points. Maximilien Drion du Chapois (Belgium), Michele Boscacci, William Boffelli (both Italy) and Samuel Equy (France) closed the Top 10 of the men’s Individual.