Arthur Bauchet’s 100th podium headlines action-packed races in Courchevel

Dec 21, 2024·Para Alpine

Arthur Bauchet's 100th World Cup podium celebrated by French fans @CPSF/KMSP

The French Alps Para Alpine Ski Tour 2024 concluded in Courchevel with two thrilling Giant Slalom races, marking the end of the tour's first leg. Despite challenging weather conditions—rain, snow, and fog on the first day, followed by wind delays on the second—fans turned out in force to cheer on the world's best Para alpine skiers.

Among the many highlights was Arthur Bauchet’s (FRA) milestone 100th World Cup podium. The French star reached the magical triple-digit mark by winning the first Courchevel Giant Slalom in front of an enthusiastic home crowd. Bauchet was joined on the podium by teammate Jules Segers, who claimed his third career podium and second of the season.

Arthur Bauchet: “It’s my 100^th podium today, it’s great! The slope was great, a long slope, but the snow was good. They did an incredible job on the slope. Thank you Courchevel for that ! The first run was good, straight. It was our coach who set the first run. And after, the second run was more turny and was really difficult for our legs, but we managed to take the first and second position on the podium so it’s just crazy!"

It’s a really good start of the season for me. In five races, I achieved four victories. I hope to continue this way for 2025 and we’ll see! To trust some podiums with French guys it’s always so good, so I hope for another again.– Arthur Bauchet (FRA)

Jules Segers: "Arthur’s 100th podium is crazy, it’s very impressive. It’s a model for me and it’s great – congratulations! It’s been a strong start to the season for me, with two podiums already, and I hope to continue like that."

Comebacks and milestones

Neil Simpson (GBR), guided by Rob Poth, celebrated a triumphant return to competition following an injury. While a DNF on Thursday set them back, the pair bounced back spectacularly to win Friday’s Men’s VI Giant Slalom.

Meanwhile, Austria’s Elina Stary, guided by Vanessa Josefa Arnold, added another heartwarming moment to the week. Stary celebrated her 18th birthday by securing two podium finishes in Courchevel, showcasing her return to form.

Oatway shines and Plantey writes Argentina’s history

Kurt Oatway (CAN) continued his stellar season by winning the first Courchevel Giant Slalom and securing his fourth podium of the year. The Canadian, wearing the red bib as the discipline leader, demonstrated his consistency by finishing second in the second race, behind last season’s leader Jeroen Kampschreur (NED).

Kurt Oatway: "Thursday’s conditions were very difficult, it’s been raining all day, a little bit of snow and the visibility in and out, track was bumpy but I managed to push through and get the win. Very difficult, but also very very fun!”

So far very satisfied with the first part of the season. This is my best season’s start since a long while. So to come away with five podiums feels really good. I’m looking forward to the rest of the season to unfold. Goals for 2025 are definitely podiums in World Championships, in both Downhill and Super G, and I seem to do alright in GS so that would be nice as well.– Kurt Oatway (CAN)

Meanwhile, Enrique Plantey (ARG) made history on Friday by claiming bronze, becoming the first Argentine athlete to podium at a Winter World Cup—across both able-bodied and Para sports. The 42-year-old also narrowly missed the podium on Thursday, finishing fourth by just 0.08 seconds.

Aigner family and Aarsjoe dominate

Austria’s Aigner siblings remained dominant in the visually impaired (VI) categories. Veronika, guided by Elisabeth Aigner, claimed back-to-back victories, while Johannes, guided by Nico Haberl, triumphed in Thursday’s Giant Slalom.

Veronika Aigner: "The first run was not so easy for us. On the first part it was very foggy and snowy. It is what it is… it’s the game! The second run, the course was very turny but I liked that more. We’re happy to win today.”

Elisabeth Aigner: “The first part of the season is over. We had the first races in Steinach, then in Tignes – it was not easy for us. The slalom race was very difficult, we achieved the second place. We will train in the next days after Christmas so we can win the next races in Slalom and yeah, we’re happy to win the races here in Courchevel and we can’t wait for the next races.”

In the standing category, Sweden’s Ebba Aarsjoe was untouchable, winning both Giant Slalom races. Despite difficult conditions, Aarsjoe showcased her resilience and consistency.

Ebba Aarsjoe: "It was for sure very difficult on Thursday, the weather was not in our favor. I managed to ski pretty well. The second run was really difficult, it was a turny course and my leg was not feeling it, but I made it through and I’m very happy. It really nice to be here. Everything is super nice.”

I’m satisfied of the first part of the season. The pre-season was quite good even though I was sick for a couple of weeks before the World Cup season started, which was not good. But the races have been OK. For 2025, I’m aiming for the World Championships, to take home some gold medals, I hope.– Ebba Aarsjoe (SWE)

Forster and Muraoka's rivalry for an exciting women’s sitting season

The women’s sitting category saw fierce competition between Anna-Lena Forster (GER) and Momoka Muraoka (JPN). Muraoka led provisionally after the first run on Friday, but Forster’s exceptional second run secured her the win.

Anna-Lena Forster: "We had all kinds of weather this week! I’m happy with my first-place finishes. I’m happy with the start of the season. Steinach was difficult. Momoka is back and Audrey is very strong so I think that it will be a very interesting season now.”

“I hope that the World Championships will take place in Maribor and I want to win some gold, that’s my goal. And also to be prepared for the next season, for Cortina. That’s the big goal in the end.”

Looking ahead

With the French Alps Para Alpine Ski Tour now complete, athletes will take a short break before heading to Santa Caterina (ITA) for two Downhill races on 8 and 9 January 2025.