Eriksen and Page shrug off deep freeze to double up in Ål, as race for Telemark Globes burns bright

Bitterly cold temperatures set the tone for the FIS Telemark World Cup in Ål, Norway, between 13-15 February 2026, where athletes faced three demanding formats in as many days - Sprint, Parallel Sprint and the endurance-testing Classic race. Switching pace and mindset from against-the-clock action to high-intensity duels to the “mother of all Telemark races” required precision, resilience and tactical intelligence from everyone involved.

"Telemark originates in Norway and is deeply rooted in our national heritage, representing both tradition and innovation in winter sports," said Team Norway coach Bjørn Espen Aase. "Interest in the sport is growing - in racing, free skiing and back country - and this World Cup in Ål has shown Telemark racing at its best, with great audience appeal."

On the men’s side, one victory for Nicolas Michel (SUI) and two for Alexis Page (FRA) shaped what is turning into a three-horse race between them and Yoann Rostolan (FRA), while in the women’s field, Gøril Strøm Eriksen (NOR) claimed two wins at home and last season's all-conquering Jasmin Taylor (GBR) grabbed two podiums before Augustine Carliez (FRA) struck back in the Classic. All of which ensures the battle for every available 2025/26 Crystal Globe remains finely balanced.

Day One - Sprint: home ice and early statements

The weekend opened with Sprint racing in crisp conditions that several athletes compared to central European surfaces, which did not stop Eriksen (NOR) delivering under pressure in front of a home crowd, finishing ahead of Camille Bourbon (FRA), who put in a fabulous second run, and third-placed Taylor (GBR).

"Team Norway has had a lot of good results at Ål in the past years and I’ve heard some athletes from other nations say they struggle on the Scandinavian snow," added Eriksen. "But I also think that we get a boost from seeing our family and friends here, plus it's a slope we're familiar with from training camps and national races."

Over on the men's side, having been slightly off the pace in Trillevallen, Sweden, Michel (SUI) emphatically got back on track with his fourth Sprint win of the season, ahead of Raphael Mahlknecht (ITA), who surged to second ahead of one of the Overall title favourites, Rostolan (FRA).

“It’s been a really nice day for me. I had a very good feeling on the snow,” said Mahlknecht. “Over the past few years in Norway, I didn’t have my best races, so it feels really good to be back here on the podium.”

Michel’s win confirmed that adjustments to his equipment setup, made after earlier struggles, were paying off. “Trillevallen was difficult for me, I didn't really find the skiing that I'm capable of producing," he reflected. "Winning the first race here in Norway was confirmation that it was the right choice.”

Day Two - Parallel Sprint: duels in perfect conditions

Under sunny skies and on immaculate snow, the Parallel Sprint produced tactical head-to-head battles, particularly through the long skating section following the loom.

Eriksen doubled up in the women’s competition by beating fellow Overall contender Léa Lathion (SUI) in the final, with the Norwegian’s consistency underlining her growing confidence in the Overall leader's bib. Taylor (GBR) ensured she stayed in title contention by taking third, ahead of Lenaig Mansart of France.

For the men, Page showed his growing confidence and authority via a composed performance for his third win of the season, defeating compatriot Rostolan in the final after an earlier all-French semi-final against Charly Petex (FRA).

Norway’s Jacob Benjamin Alveberg thrilled the home crowd with third place - his first podium of the season. “I woke up feeling fantastic and really believed in myself,” Alveberg said. “I know my strengths are the loom and the Nordic Skating. Even when I was behind in the skiing section, I knew there was a chance.”

Michel exited in the quarter-finals but remained positive: “I made a small mistake in the quarter-final which made me lose my fight. But I know I am on the right path to fight to win the upcoming races.”

Day Three - Classic: endurance decides

Sunday’s Classic race - 62 gates, two jumps and two skating sections - demanded both physical depth and mental resolve. In the women’s field, Carliez (FRA) returned to the top step for the first time this season, edging Laly Chaucheprat (FRA), while Goril's sister Ella Strøm Eriksen (NOR) claimed third - thus keeping the Eriksen family name on the podium across all three race days.

Pushing hardest through the final Nordic Skating section, she described “forgetting about the pain” as her decisive strength - a performance that may reignite her pursuit of the Classic Globe after narrowly missing it last season.

On the men’s side, Page completed his double with victory ahead of Michel and Rostolan, capping a commanding weekend across formats, while it was also a memorable trip for Germany's Leo Müller. A veteran of a hugely impressive 153 FIS Telemark World Cup starts, the 34-year-old racer stepped away from the circuit after competing in Saturday's Classic race.

Up next

"Ål has provided an excellent week of racing in cold conditions," said Adrian Pery FIS Telemark Race Director, looking back at one of the most complete stops on the Telemark WC circuit. "With all three disciplines on the agenda, racers were tested by the quick pace of the Sprint and Parallel Sprint to the test of endurance that is a 60-gate Classic, with two skating sections and a nearly 400m vertical drop. Our thanks go to the tireless course crew and organisers who made it possible."

The World Cup contenders now have the chance to recharge their batteries and refine their skills ahead of an action-packed fortnight finale, when the season will culminate with stops in Bardonecchia (ITA) on 15-16 March, Pra Loup (FRA) on 19-21 March, and Les Contamines Montojoies (FRA) on 26-28 March.