The third leg of the ISMF World Cup is set to get underway tomorrow in Morgins ©Getty Images

The Swiss village of Morgins is set to hold the third leg of the International Ski Mountaineering Federation (ISMF) World Cup season, with athletes due to compete in sprint and individual races.

Number one in the women's world ranking is Axelle Gachet-Mollaret of France, closely followed by Sweden's Tove Alexandersson. 

They were first and second in the women's individual race by a great margin in Andorra and Adamello, meaning a victory from elsewhere would be a shock.

France's Emily Harrop was third in Andorra and Adamello too, and will be among the favourites for the podium again.

The Italian contingent of Alba de Silvestro, Mara Martini and Giulia Murada are all potential contenders for top honours.

It is also the second sprint race of the season, with the first being won by Harrop in Adamello, followed by her compatriot Lena Bonnel.

Murada claimed bronze in front of Alexandersson that day.

Axelle Gachet-Mollaret, right, leads the women's standings in this season's ISMF World Cup ©Getty Images
Axelle Gachet-Mollaret, right, leads the women's standings in this season's ISMF World Cup ©Getty Images

In Adamello, Switzerland's Arno Lietha won the men's sprint and will be one of the primary contenders again, as will other medallists Hans-Inge Klette and Thibault Anselmet, both Norwegian.

Frenchman Xavier Gachet and Michele Boscacci of Italy top the men's individual standings, and have traded wins so far in the two standard individual races this season.

Antonioli and Rémi Bonnet of Switzerland were third and fourth in Andorra and William Bon Mardion of France claimed bronze in Adamello, with all three prime contenders for the podium.

Competition is scheduled to run from tomorrow until Saturday (January 29).