Telemark: French Dominance in Carezza (ITA)

After her double victory at the season opener in Pinzolo (ITA), Jasmin Taylor (GBR) continues to showcase her excellent form by winning both Sprints at Carezza (ITA). On the first day, leading from the first run, the British skier had a narrow 0.01-second advantage over the Norwegian Ella Strom Eriksen after receiving a 4-second penalty. Once again quick on the skiing section and with only one second penalty on the second course, Jasmin Taylor (GBR) secured the first Sprint with a comfortable lead over the Norwegian duo Ella Strom Eriksen and Kaja Bjoernstad Konow, who finished second and third. The following day, only the young Augustine Carliez (FRA) disrupted the Norwegian-British battle by claiming the silver medal. Ella Strom Eriksen completed the podium for the second Sprint.

On the men's side, French skier Elie Nabot responded in the best possible way after a challenging start to the season, securing two victories. The first one came ahead of the local skier Raphael Mahlknecht (ITA) and his young compatriot Yoan Rostolan (FRA). The leaders from the first day displayed two very fast skiing sections, but a penalty-free second run for Elie Nabot made the difference against the Italian, confirming his competitiveness against the French contingent. The French team, in fact, achieved a triple victory on the second day, with Noé Claye and Charly Petex securing the second and third positions. Fourth-placed Raphael Mahlknecht (ITA) was the only one to challenge the French skiers, who, in total, placed 5 skiers in the top 6 positions.

Nicolas Michel (SUI), the reigning champion of the 2023-24 World Cup opening races, unfortunately had to withdraw after the first run of the first Sprint due to an injury, the nature of which is yet to be confirmed.

The Telemark World Cup will then stop in Switzerland, in Melchsee Frutt, for one Classic and two Parallel Sprint races from 26th January.

Click here to check the results of the Telemark World Cup races in Carezza (ITA).