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Golden day for Italy, China, USA and Norway in Molde

Pellegrini, Yuzhen, Briley and Waldal claim the victory on the vertical race in the first day of competition of the ISMF Youth World Cup

Lausanne, 14 March 2024 – The final stage of the 2024 ISMF Youth World Cup season started in Molde, Norway, with a breathtaking vertical race that showcased the talent and determination of the new generation of talented young ski-mountaineering athletes from around the globe. Hosted in the picturesque Norwegian landscape, the event attracted 100 athletes representing 17 nations, all vying for top honors in their respective categories.

In the fiercely contested U18 men’s division, Enrico Pellegrini of Italy delivered a standout performance, clinching the gold medal stopping the clock at 20:38 for the 530 positive meters they had to face. Pellegrini’s victory solidified his status as a rising star in the sport and underscored Italy’s prowess in producing elite ski-mountaineering talent. Second on the finish line was another young athlete used to the top positions this season, Malik Uldry (SUI), while third on the podium was Luca Curioni (ITA), who crossed the finish line just two seconds ahead of Gonzalo Casares (ESP).

Meanwhile, in the women’s U18 category, Cidan Yuzhen of China impressed spectators with her exceptional performance, securing the gold medal with a commanding display of strength and technique, showcasing the growing international competitiveness in youth ski-mountaineering and marking a significant milestone for Chinese winter sports. She crossed the finish line with over a minute with the second woman, Klara Velepec (SLO). The bronze medal was for another athlete that already knows what it is to get on a podium, Spaniard Laia Selles.

The U20 men’s category witnessed an intense battle for supremacy, with Griffin Briley of the United States emerging victorious. Briley’s stellar performance on the vertical course earned him the gold medal, crossing the finish line a few seconds ahead of one of the specialists of the vertical races, Italy’s Hermann Debertolis. Jules Raybaud (FRA), three times European champion this season, grabbed the bronze medal.

Finally, in the U20 women’s category, local favorite Ida Waldal of Norway delighted the home crowd with a remarkable display, clinching the gold medal and cementing her status as a promising talent in Norwegian ski-mountaineering. Second on the day was Louise Trincaz (FRA), while the last spot on the podium was for another Chinese athlete, Yuzhen Lamu, proving that the Asian country is investing a lot on the sport.