As reported by insidethegames last week, the climb, which was funded by SNCF, France's national state-owned railway company, was arranged to highlight their support for the bid and bring the values of sports and Olympism to the rooftop of Europe.

The team, supported by ENSA teachers and the Company of Guides of Mont-Blanc and Saint-Gervais, spent two days in the Mont-Blanc massif last Thursday and Friday (June 16 - 17) becoming acclimatised and preparing to take on their expedition, with many of them having already completed preparatory hikes - crossing the Vallée Blanche and the Cosmiques ridge - while roped together.

The climb was originally scheduled for Saturday and Sunday (June 18-19) but had to be postponed until Monday (June 20) due to bad weather over the weekend, so when the conditions improved the group set off to climb the mountain, carrying the colours of Annecy 2018, and being cheered on by key Annecy 2018 representatives, such as President Charles Beigbeder and Mayor of Annecy and former athlete Jean-Luc Rigaut.

At around 11.00am yesterday morning, they reached the summit before starting a snowboard run on the slopes.

"This project was a tremendous challenge and we completed it, so I'm thrilled," said Paul-Henri De Le Rue.

Both Beigbeder and Paul-Henri De Le Rue presented the Mont-Blanc project video clip at the Blue Moon Party in Annecy yesterday, held to mark the event in support of Annecy 2018's bid.

Beigbeder said: "I salute the team's extraordinary effort, characteristic of the sporting culture of France and Annecy.

"This expedition shows just how proud we are of the authentic mountains in the French Alps and the globally iconic Mount-Blanc.

"We would love to stage the 2018 Games and share these mountains with the world, working in partnership with the IOC to help benefit winter sports all over the world.

"Our team will reflect the determination of these athletes and will be doing everything we can to convince the IOC that Annecy is the best and most nurturing home for the Winter Games."

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