At 9.15am, the job is done. The French banner (estimated cases 210,000) and the Italian banner (estimated cases 250,000) wave in the icy wind over Mont Blanc. We cannot stay around for long, however, as a just as testing descent awaits us. As we descend to a height of 3,500m, the temperature change is noticeable – the glaring sun brings us out in a sweat, the weight of our rucksacks digs into our backs, so much so that we can only enjoy the splendid panoramic view out of the corners of our eyes. At 14.14pm, we eventually reach the bottom.
In the evening, there is even more good news to be heard – our team in Switzerland has successfully reached the Monte-Rosa-Hütte Quartier. Although, their true test still awaits them. In the morning, both of them will begin the ascent up Dufour. Our fingers are crossed!
