Skyrace des Matheysins once again showcased world-class skyrunning, as elite athletes tackled a demanding 25 km course featuring 2,000 meters of elevation gain. This year’s edition was followed live, allowing fans to experience every decisive moment as it unfolded on the mountain.
Race conditions at the Skyrace des Matheysins course were near ideal, offering athletes a fast and enjoyable course from start to finish. Under clear skies and stable terrain, runners were able to push the pace, with only a light breeze felt along the upper sections of the course. At the technical ridge, a slight wind added a touch of exposure, but it remained well within safe limits and did not interfere with the the highliner who was performing on Oreilles du Loup, allowing the aerial performance to unfold smoothly alongside the race.
TRANCHAND TAKES CONTROL ON DEVIL’S GARDEN
In the men’s race, Gaspard Ravaux (FRA, Team Merrell) set a blistering early pace, leading the charge from the start alongside Frédéric Tranchand (FRA, Team Merrell) and Benjamin Roubiol (FRA, Team Asics). The trio remained tightly grouped through the early stages, running shoulder-to-shoulder at an eye-watering pace.
The race took a decisive turn in the technical “Devil’s Garden” section, where Tranchand made his move. Displaying exceptional technical skill and strength, he surged into the lead and began to open a gap. From there, he dominated the remainder of the course, “flying” across the rugged terrain to secure victory in 2:19:59 — an impressive performance that places him just four minutes shy of the course record.
Behind him, Alex Oberbacher (ITA, Team La Sportiva) delivered a remarkable comeback. Emerging strongly along the ridge section, he advanced through the field to claim second place, finishing four minutes behind Tranchand.
The battle for the final podium spot came down to the closing kilometers. Mattia Bertoncini (ITA, Team New Balance) executed a decisive overtake on Lucien Mermillon (FRA, team Rossignol) in the final kilometer, securing third place and completing the men’s podium.
Tranchand comments on his win: “I thought it would be a hard race from the start. I raced most of it alone and just focused on my own race. At the top, I started to feel so tired, maybe because of the altitude, but I just thought I will run as fast as I can down and try to keep my lead, and I did so that’s great! I am always happy to win at home in France.”
EMOTIONAL VICTORY FOR MALEN OSA AFTER A TOUGH YEAR
In the women’s race, Johanna Gelfgren (SWE, Team Hoka) set an aggressive early pace, leading the field from the outset. However, the race dynamic shifted on the demanding Devil’s Garden climb, where Eva Delafosse (FRA) overtook her to move into the lead. Close behind, Malen Osa (ESP, Team Salomon) and Fabiola Conti (ITA, Team Otso) steadily closed the gap, forming a tightly contested front group.
The decisive moment came near the summit of Tabor, where Osa made her move. After a controlled and conservative start, she surged past Delafosse and powered ahead, ultimately storming to victory in a time of 2:49:51. Delafosse held strong to secure second place, finishing two minutes behind, while Conti completed the women’s podium after a consistent performance throughout the race.
Osa comments on her victory: “I had it clear that I would take it easy and just do my own race and that’s what I did. I felt not great on the climbs but I just stayed focused. I came from the back and worked my way through and just kept overtaking until I was together with the leading girl at the top. After that I managed to pull away and make a gap on the downhill. This win means the world to me!”
With its steep climbs, technical ridgelines, and fast descents, Skyrace des Matheysins delivered both spectacle and sport at the highest level—further cementing its reputation as one of the most exciting events on the international skyrunning circuit.
Full results HERE.
The Merrell Skyrunner® World Series continues tomorrow with the Ueda Skyrace in Japan tomorrow.
Watch the live below:
