The first day of racing is over and in a day dominated by the weather, we have our leaders. Rene Wildhaber goes into the night with a comfortable lead, and Damien Oton and Francoise Bailly Maitre will be chasing in 2nd and 3rd. In the women’s category, it looked like Tracy Moseley would dominate after winning Stage One, but at the end of the day she had to settle for third, with Cecile Ravanel in 2nd and Anne Caroline Chausson taking the lead into day 2.

The first day of racing was dominated by challenging weather conditions.
The first day of racing was dominated by challenging weather conditions.
At around 10AM the weather moved in, changing Stage One from a fast, dry track, to a slick, muddy challenge.
At around 10AM the weather moved in, changing Stage One from a fast, dry track, to a slick, muddy challenge.
This was proper big mountain riding and La Thuile was the perfect host.
This was proper big mountain riding and La Thuile was the perfect host.
Despite the challenging conditions, riders were fully pinned.
Despite the challenging conditions, riders were fully pinned.
The wood sections were more sheltered and riders could open the taps.
The wood sections were more sheltered and riders could open the taps.
Another rider feeds to much speed into the exposed bench cut trail.
Another rider feeds to much speed into the exposed bench cut trail.

Mens Results:

mens-results

Womens Results:

womens-results

Words: Trev Worsey

Photos: Matt Wragg


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