Under the shadow of the Italian Alps and the roar of cheering crowds, two elite skyrunners rose above the rest in one of the most electrifying editions of the Monte Zerbion Skyrace to date. Italian powerhouse Gianluca Ghiano and French trailblazer Lucille Germain stormed to victory in the 2025 edition of this world-class event, conquering a course as breathtaking as it was brutal.
The Monte Zerbion Skyrace, held in the picturesque town of Châtillon, featured a demanding route of 22km, with 2,200m+, that tested the limits of elite skyrunners and it was game on from the very beginning.
It was the Italians who stormed ahead in the first kilometres of the race, with Gianluca Ghiano (team Brooks) and Alex oberbacher (team La Sportiva) leading the pack, followed by another Italian Mattia Bertoncini (team New Balance). These three tackled the climb very close together. The chasing group followed just minutes behind which included Raoul Raus of Belgium (team New Balance), Jules Mongellaz of France (team Sidas Matryx), and the young gun, Finlay Grant of the UK. After them came Manu Merillas of Spain (team New Balance) and Peruvian athlete, Jose Manuel Quispe (team Merrell / CIVA)
On the female side Denisa Dragomir of Romania (team Merrell / Red Bull) took the lead setting a strong pace, followed by Lucille Germain of France (team Nnormal) and Lucija Krkoc of Slovakia. Close behind them were Alice Bausseron of France (team New Balance), Martina Cumerlato of Italy (team Asics) and Fabiola Conti, also of Italy.
Things continuously changed during the race but the key moment, which would decide the race, was the final downhill and all runners had been reserving their strength to give it their all for the final descent.
In the end, Ghiano was unbeatable and Oberbacher was unable to catch him. Ghiano crossed the finish line in first place after 2:12:54, followed by Oberbacher three minutes later. In the final 2km of the race, Merillas came from nowhere and passed many athletes to arrive at the finish line in 3rd place, six minutes after the first.
For the women, Germain started to push hard at the beginning of the downhill and overtook Dragomir at kilometer 12. Dragomir tried to catch her but the French athlete was just too strong and in the space of five kilometers, Germain had opened a big gap between them. The win, and new course record of 2:40:21, went to Germain with Dragomir crossing the finish line five minutes later. Conti closed the women’s podium three minutes later.
Gianluca Ghiano comments: “Today I’m really grateful because my mind and my body were balanced and that’s why I could get this good result. At the beginning of the race I never could have imagined winning here today against this level, not even in my wildest dreams, but as I always said, you need to believe in yourself and that’s when things happen.”
Lucille Germain comments: “During the first kilometers I suffered a lot as the first woman, Denisa, set a really strong pace so I knew that I would have to push on the downhill. I’m happy that my legs responded to my plan and I could win the race. It’s been a beautiful day here in Aosta Valley and the course is incredible!”
The ninth stage in the 24-race Merrell Skyrunner® World Series circuit not only challenged athletes but the weekend was a celebration of alpine spirit — complete with local food, music, and the warm hospitality the Aosta Valley is known for. For skyrunners and fans alike, it was a day to remember.
Full results HERE.
Merrell Skyrunner® World Series continues in two weeks with the Hochkonig Skyrace in Maria Alm, Austria.
