Krvavec and Pra Loup – Back-to-back World Cups in a packed March schedule

March kicked off with two consecutive Telemark World Cup rounds: Krvavec (Slovenia, 6–8 March) and Pra Loup (France, 11–14 March). These events, the final stops before the season finale in Thyon (Switzerland), offered two contrasting atmospheres in terms of racing, scenery, and weather conditions.

Spring racing heats up in Slovenia

Eva Uršej, head of the Krvavec World Cup organization, highlighted the importance of hosting the competition: “Krvavec is the closest ski resort to Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana. Organising a Telemark World Cup is the best promotion for the sport. I hope we can bring Telemark back to where it was 10 years ago. We have a dedicated team that shares my enthusiasm, and we’re determined to overcome any obstacles in our way.”

Despite warm temperatures, the snow conditions remained icy and fast, providing the perfect setting for two Sprint races and a Classic race. With the stakes high, athletes battled not only for race victories but also crucial points in the overall standings.

Sprint races

In the first Sprint, Argeline Tan Bouquet (FRA) claimed victory over Jasmin Taylor (GBR) by just 0.22 seconds, with Augustine Carliez (FRA) finishing third, 0.75 seconds behind the winner. On the men’s side, Trym Nygaard Loeken (NOR) triumphed over Yoann Rostolan (FRA), while 2024 Junior World Champion Alexis Page (FRA) secured his second World Cup podium of the season.

The second Sprint saw a reversal at the top of the women’s field, with Taylor taking first place ahead of Tan Bouquet. Norway’s Goril Strom Eriksen finished third, making a strong comeback after a concussion forced her to miss the Norwegian World Cup rounds. Among the men, Loeken once again dominated, followed by Claye (FRA) and Nabot (FRA).

This race also marked significant career milestones: Maely Vernet (FRA) achieved her first fifth-place finish, while Coletta Frick (GER) and Adrian Ball (CAN) each recorded career-best sixth-place finishes.

Coletta Frick (GER) expressed her joy: “Setting a new personal best was a huge moment for me. Given the challenges our team faces compared to others, this result means even more. The organizers did everything possible to ensure a fair and well-prepared course, and without their efforts, this result wouldn’t have been the same.”

Adrian Ball (CAN) added: “Feels great to know I’m competing at the level of the top guys. Every race brings me closer to my goals, with my main focus being gold at the Junior World Championships!”

Classic race

In the men’s race, Claye (FRA) had high hopes of securing his second consecutive Classic Globe, but an unfortunate hand injury during the Sprint race derailed his chances.

Claye shared his struggles: “After two weeks at home, I fine-tuned my preparation, but missing training sessions with my team made things tough. I felt confident and won the first run of the Sprint, but a small mistake and a hit to my hand cost me the victory—and potentially the rest of my season. Now, I need to rest and assess my injury before the World Championships in Les Contamines.”

Despite the setback, Claye still competed in the Classic race, finishing just off the podium. Taylor secured victory in the women’s event, followed by Tan Bouquet and Laly Chaucheprat (FRA). Loeken took another win on the men’s side, with Nicolas Michel (SUI) finishing second and Page securing another podium in third.

Pra Loup: Surviving the storm, chasing the globe

Pra Loup’s schedule included two Classic races and one Sprint, but heavy snowfall created apocalyptic conditions, forcing last-minute adjustments. The training day was canceled due to extreme weather, and the race organizers worked tirelessly to hold at least one competition.

Classic race

Despite 20cm of fresh overnight snow, the first Classic race went ahead in deep, soft conditions and flat light—an extreme test of both physical and mental endurance.

“The conditions were difficult, with very soft snow. The fastest skiers had to use the deep ruts to generate speed while pushing hard in the skating sections—there was no room for conserving energy. The end of the season will be intense, both physically and mentally, and will truly test each athlete’s potential,” explained Charly Petex (FRA).

Carliez (FRA) secured victory in the women’s race ahead of Taylor and Chaucheprat, while Loeken continued his dominance in the men’s event, finishing ahead of Petex and Rostolan. Local athlete Melvyn Rey (FRA) delivered the standout performance of the day, claiming a career-best eighth place.

Melvyn Rey (FRA) celebrated his result: “Very happy with this eighth place at home! The snow was challenging, but the energy from my resort and supporters gave me the strength to give my best.”

Unfortunately, the worsening snow conditions forced the cancellation of the second Classic race and the Sprint due to safety concerns.

Trym Nygaard Loeken (NOR) acknowledged the organizers' efforts: “It’s always a pleasure to race in Pra Loup. Even though the weather wasn’t on our side, the organizers did an incredible job trying to make the races happen. We were lucky to complete one race, which once again showed how tight and exciting the Telemark World Cup is this season. Now, all focus is on the World Championships in Les Contamines, followed by the World Cup Finals in Thyon—where the battle for the globes will be decided!”

Overall World Cup standings – A tight race to the finish

With seven intense World Cup rounds completed, the season is heading for a thrilling conclusion at the Thyon Finals (27 - 29 March).

In the women’s overall standings, Taylor leads the way, followed by Tan Bouquet and Carliez. The Classic Globe remains wide open, with Carliez holding a narrow 10-point lead over Taylor. Taylor also leads the Sprint standings, with Tan Bouquet trailing by 35 points. Meanwhile, the Parallel Sprint race is set for a nail-biting finish, with Tan Bouquet, Carliez, and Taylor separated by just 10 points.

On the men’s side, Trym Nygaard Loeken has already secured the overall title, as well as the Sprint and Classic Globes. Behind him, Michel, Petex, Rostolan, and Page are all in contention for second and third place in the overall, Sprint, and Classic standings. In the Parallel Sprint, Nabot and Claye will look to maintain their positions while challenging Loeken for the top spot.