The Becca di Nona shrouded in clouds, threatening weather and original route changed on the eve, thinking first of all about safety. This edition of the Comboé and Becca di Nona verticals, starting from the central Piazza Chanoux in Aosta, was a little different than usual. The unfavorable weather forecast took away the charm of reaching the summit, toasting to the great effort and taking the inevitable photo in front of the cross. The spirit of the event remained unchanged, with 504 competitors who punctually showed up on the starting grid for a high-paced race. The winners were Corinna Ghirardi and Massimo Farcoz.
About 9 kilometers, just under 1,300 meters of positive elevation gain to be tackled between Aosta and San Grato, from where the flat traverse began that led to the finish line in Pila, the ski resort easily accessible by cable car from Aosta and which in summer turns into a paradise for downhill lovers. The organization in half a day has rescheduled everything, still guaranteeing a race, albeit different from tradition.
A choice appreciated by the majority of those present, including the Lombard Corinna Ghirardi and the Valle d'Aosta Massimo Farcoz, the winners of the sprint race. A real "shot", with very high rhythms along path 102, already used on Wednesday evening for the first edition of the BeccaNight.
In the women's field, Corinna Ghirardi, born near Malonno and now living in Ponte di Legno, was the great favorite for Aosta-Becca di Nona and did not make a mistake even on the new route. She won in 1 hour 07'46", going ahead of the Aosta Valley – Former biker – Emilie Collomb (1 hour 09'51"); third place for Noemi Junod, the Italian ski mountaineering athlete who has already been a protagonist at the BeccaNight.
Farcoz won in 55'24"; he built the advantage from the first meters on the flat, and then increased the pace between Charvensod and San Grato, in the steepest section where his direct pursuer William Boffelli could have made the difference. He managed to keep a good margin, arriving all alone in Pila; in second place the ski mountaineer from Bergamo (now living in Courmayeur) Boffelli (56'59") with the third step of the podium for another skialper, Sébastien Guichardaz (51'04").
Corinna Ghirardi: «It wasn't the Becca di Nona I expected, I found a fast route to run, I was fine and everything came easy to me. I definitely want to come back to race to the top, today it was not possible, safety is the priority and the correct decision was made».
Massimo Farcoz: «After the change of program I was sorry, I particularly care about the Aosta-Becca di Nona, I had trained well but unfortunately nothing can be done against bad weather. The organizers made the right choice: we still had fun on a beautiful trail, which I didn't know».
On Saturday, waiting for today's competitive races (Sunday), it was the children who ran in the middle of the obstacle course set up at the BeccaVillage. Great enthusiasm and a lot of fun for 250 young people. Nothing to do instead for the Montée des Gourmands, canceled on Saturday afternoon.
And while the party continues at the BeccaVillage, the organizers of the Becca di Nona make an appointment for 2026. Next year the even more challenging ascent to the 3,559 meters of Mont Emilius will return.
