The women’s race was dominated head and shoulders by Olivia Magnone, from Esclops d’Azun. The resident of Bilhères-en-Ossau, very much in form at the moment, quickly cleared the gap around her. She already had a 2-minute lead over Manon Loustau at the intermediate checkpoint in Lourziou, before heading towards the summit of the Col de la Coumette. Continuing her effort, she reached the finish in 2h05’17”, smashing the old course record. Manon Loustau fought until the end, to take 2nd place, 7’26” behind. Camille Tuquet climbed onto the 3rd step of the podium, more than 31 minutes behind.
Pagnoux in force
Among the men, Pierre Pagnoux left a big impression throughout the course. At Lourziou, he had an advantage of 1’36” over a trio made up of Jérôme Mirassou, Victor Letertre (Sport 2000 Orthez) and Maxime Battraud (Stade Cubzaguais). Arudyen Mirassou, who did not have the legs to compete this Sunday with the best, finished the race freewheeling, leaving Letertre and Battraud to fight for a place on the podium. Izestois Pierre Pagnoux maintained the pace to cross the finish line in Laruns in 1h46’29”, a performance very close to that of Julen Larruzea who still holds the course record since 2022. Victor Letertre retained 2nd place at 3’40”, while Maxime Battraud took 3rd place (at 4’13”). Ghent’s Jérémy Lenormand completed a remarkable second part of the course, only to fail just 6” from the podium.
Next weekend, Olivia Magnone and Pierre Pagnoux will be at the start of the Pierra Menta, a skyrunning race held in Savoie, in teams of 2, in 3 stages, over a total distance of 70 km (D + 7000 m). For his part, Jérôme Mirassou will line up, with ambitions, at the ultra trail of Luchon (85 km, D + 5300 m), while Jérémy Lenormand will participate in the GTVO in relay.
Provisional ranking of the Ossau challenge after the 3rd stage
Men: 1.Clément Martin; 2.Jérémy Guitard at 7’23”; 3. Jérôme Maire at 8’18” Women: 1.Camille Tuquet; 2.Christelle Dugachard at 9’21”; 3. Élise Godard at 10’09”
