Running News Daily

Cristian Minoggio produced the biggest victory of his career on Friday, mastering the demanding conditions of the 2026 CCC to claim a remarkable triumph in Chamonix.

The 42-year-old Italian crossed the finish line in 10:21:48, completing the revised 107-kilometre course in a race reshaped by severe storms that forced organisers to remove the final major climb towards La Flégère.

Minoggio made his decisive move on the climb towards Trient, roughly 80 kilometres into the shortened route. While others began to fade under the relentless demands of the course, the experienced Italian found another gear and gradually established the advantage that would ultimately carry him to victory.

For much of the middle stages, American Hans Troyer controlled the race from the front, but the closing kilometres brought a dramatic change. Portugal’s Miguel Arsenio surged late to overtake Troyer and secure second place in 10:27:25, while Troyer fought his way to the final podium position in 10:33:29.

For Minoggio, however, the day belonged entirely to him.

A runner with a strong Ultra SkyMarathon background, the Italian had already demonstrated his ability to compete at the highest level of mountain ultra-running. He finished second at the OCC last year, but the CCC victory in Chamonix represented a defining moment in his career.

His arrival at the finish carried the emotion of a dream finally realised. Mud-splattered after hours on the mountain, Minoggio crossed the line visibly overwhelmed by what he had accomplished. He removed his cap and, in a deeply symbolic gesture, placed it on the head of UTMB co-founder Catherine Poletti, creating one of the most touching scenes of the day.

His victory also came at a remarkable moment in the UTMB week. Minoggio reached the finish just 23 minutes before the delayed start of the UTMB, with thunderstorms having already forced organisers to adjust the schedule and alter the course.

The women's CCC race also produced a familiar champion, as Norway’s Yngvild Kaspersen successfully defended her title, winning in 12:01:14 to claim her second CCC crown.

But Friday belonged to Minoggio — an Italian veteran who combined experience, patience and a perfectly timed attack to turn a brutal, weather-disrupted edition of the CCC into the greatest victory of his career.

At 42, Cristian Minoggio has conquered Chamonix.