Telemark World Cup leaders Michel and Lathion still on top after testing two days in Carezza
Jan 16, 2026·Telemark
After foggy conditions disrupted early training sessions, the sun broke through over Carezza Dolomites just in time for racing, setting the stage for two demanding days of Sprint competition on the third stop of this season's FIS Telemark World Cup circuit.
The course proved a true all-round test, with the Nordic Skating section selective and technical, the jump well built to reward strong jumpers while minimizing risk, and the Giant Slalom section offering compact snow, strong grip and multiple tactical line choices. Athletes who combined clean trajectories, efficient glide and strong technical skills across all elements were rewarded with vital points.
Day one: Michel and Lathion extend overall leads
On day one (14 January), World Cup Overall leader Henri Michel (SUI) delivered a composed and controlled performance to take victory in the men’s race, underlining his consistency to snaffle his third win (and fifth podium!) from five Sprint races so far in 2025/26. Italy’s Raphael Mahlknecht followed closely in second, building on his strong showing in December in Pinzolo, while France’s Alexis Page completed the podium - his third top-three finish this campaign.
In the women’s race, Overall leader Léa Lathion (SUI) claimed another World Cup victory, confirming her status among the athletes to beat in 2025/26, though she was pushed hard by last season’s multiple Crystal Globe winner Jasmin Taylor (GBR) and France’s Augustine Carliez, the latter showing improved confidence and rhythm to snaffle third.
Unfortunately, the day was overshadowed by a serious injury to Argeline Tan-Bouquet (FRA), who fell when landing in the jump section. Subsequent examinations confirmed a ruptured ACL in her left knee, a cruel blow to the gifted 31-year-old athlete after a strong start to the season suggested she would be in title contention. Everyone in the FIS Telemark community will be wishing her a smooth and speedy recovery.
Day two: Chaucheprat and Sillon take charge
Day two (15 January) saw conditions remain excellent and racing intensify still further. In the women’s competition, Laly Chaucheprat (FRA) claimed a victory that moves her into second place in the Overall standings, her strong jumping skills proving decisive on a course that rewarded precision and commitment.
In the men’s race, Theo Sillon (FRA) claimed his first World Cup win of the season, edging Michel into second thanks to greater consistency across the two Sprint runs. France’s Yoann Rostolan continued his excellent season with third place, the points secured enough to maintain second position in the Overall standings.
Also impressing was Timo Walser (SUI), the 20-year-old junior finishing fourth and pushing his way into the Overall top 10, while France’s Charly Petex, who finished fourth Overall in both the 23/24 and 24/25 campaigns, looked sharper than in previous rounds - particularly when claiming fifth on day two.
With challenging terrain, shifting momentum, and key standings battles taking shape, Carezza delivered a compelling chapter of the 2025/26 Telemark World Cup season.
What's next?
Runner-up to Norwegian legend Trym Nygaard Loeken in the Overall, Sprint and Parallel Sprint standings in 24/25, can anyone keep up with the blistering pace being set by Nicolas Michel this season? And after two contrasting days in Carezza, will reigning Overall, Classic and Sprint champion Jasmin Taylor start reeling in Léa Lathion at Melchsee-Frutt (SUI) - the season's first Parallel Sprint races?
)
)
