First World Cup wins and Podium Comebacks in Norway

Aal witnessed magical winter conditions with fresh snow and temperatures below minus 10 degrees for the fourth Telemark World Cup stage. Featuring a Sprint, a Parallel Sprint, and two Classic races (one to replace the Classic canceled in Saint Gervais), Aal didn’t disappoint, delivering three thrilling days of racing with tight competitions and pleasant surprises on the podium. The Norwegian team made a strong showing with six WC athletes and 11 rookies on National quotas. Aal provided the perfect opportunity for Norwegian rookies to shine before the Junior World Championships in Stari (SLO) next March.

First World Cup Win for Petex and Norwegian Women’s Dominance

With 20 cm of fresh snow overnight, a highly technical jump to reach the line, and a tricky loom, some were surprised by the conditions, especially considering the previous icy World Cup stages in the Alps. Some athletes prefer ice while others favor soft snow. Mastering both requires experience, and experience was essential to navigate Aal successfully.

Strom Eriksen secured the first women's Norwegian win of the event, followed by Tan Bouquet (FRA) and Bourbon (FRA). Taylor (GBR) finished 4th, while Junger (GER) achieved her first top 5 since 2022. The French ladies certainly didn't anticipate the Norwegians dominating the podium for all remaining races. Throughout the season, French and Norwegian athletes have been locked in fierce competition for top spots. According to Bourbon, Chaucheprat, and Carliez from the French team, the women's top 10 is highly competitive, offering surprises and challenges race after race.

On the men’s side, Petex (FRA) clinched his first-ever World Cup victory, followed by his compatriots Nabot (2nd) and Claye (3rd). Collberg (SWE) narrowly missed the podium again, finishing fourth, while Norwegian Alveberg claimed fifth place.

The Swiss squad struggled in the Sprint race. According to Julien Annequin, the new Swiss coach, the conditions in Aal highlighted a lack of experience among Swiss athletes in competing against more seasoned competitors who are accustomed to racing on all types of snow, such as the French and Norwegians. The Swiss team primarily trains and races on icy slopes. In Aal, the "all snow" racing experience was essential to perform.

Strom Eriksen Unbeatable for the Second Consecutive Year, Beney Back on the Podium

The Parallel Sprint showcased speed, with no room for error. Races were tight, with competitors often neck and neck in the loom, providing an exciting show and suspense before the Nordic section.

Strom Eriksen claimed victory for the second year in a row, honoring Norway's legacy as the birthplace of telemark skiing. Tan Bouquet and Taylor secured 2nd and 3rd place, respectively.

Nabot (FRA) solidified his position as the parallel sprint champion after his victory in Melchsee Frutt (SUI). His compatriot Claye finished third after being defeated by Beney (SUI) in the semifinals. Beney earned second place with skillful skiing and self-control, especially after sustaining a hand injury in Carezza (ITA) in January. This podium marked Beney's second career podium after his first four years ago.

Bjoernstad Konow New Queen of Classic, Collberg Back on the Podium

It was a historic moment for the Norwegian squad at home. Kaja Bjoernstad Konow emerged as the fastest woman in both Classic races, securing her first two World Cup victories of her career.

"I’m super happy to finally win a World Cup race! And then to win two on the same day is crazy. It feels really good that I finally had two good runs without any major mistakes. I also enjoyed the classic race in Ål. I think the course was fun because of the changing terrain, and I got a really good feeling going down. Looking forward to the next races! It has been really fun to race in Ål with such a big Norwegian team. The team spirit is good, and everyone is backing each other, which is important for good performances," said Bjoernstad Konow.

Chaucheprat (FRA) also showcased her form, gaining confidence with each race, finishing 3rd and then 2nd. Carliez (FRA) claimed the Classic leader jersey after finishing 2nd, a position that certainly puts pressure on her as she finished 6th in the second Classic. Strom Eriksen finished 3rd in the second Classic race, while Araldsen (NOR) secured her first top 5 finish on a World Cup stage.

On the men’s side, Petex secured his second World Cup win in the first Classic race, followed by Nabot and Page (FRA). Claye and Mahlknecht (ITA) finished 4th and 5th, respectively. Claye won the second Classic race, followed by Collberg (SWE) and Page, confirming his consistency and third-place position in the hierarchy. Olle Collberg celebrated a brilliant and well-deserved return to the podium. Over the past years, Swedish racers have frequently challenged the leaders, often finishing close to the podium. Now, Collberg has accomplished that feat!

"I’m so happy to be on the podium again! The last time was in 2022, and before that in 2014! I have done 158 World Cup starts and have been close to the podium so many times. For example, at the end of last season, I had multiple 4th places, and in the World Championships in Mürren 2023, I was 4th, 5th, and 5th. Now I've proved that I am back at the very top again!" Collberg exclaimed.

Sweden is definitely making a strong push to challenge the French team this season.

After the Aal World Cup, Taylor maintains her first position for the women’s Globe overall, despite performing slightly below her capabilities during this stage. Nabot regains his leadership position for the men’s Globe overall. Kaja Bjoernstad Konow takes the lead for the women’s Classic globe, ahead of Carliez.

Eight French racers were present in Aal, and all of them achieved at least one podium. The French team totaled 20 podiums. The competition among the French men is intense, driving them to push their limits in every race. The final Globe between Nabot and Claye remains wide open.