Swiss surprise as Telemark World Cup opens in Hintertux

The 2025/26 Telemark World Cup season kicked off earlier than usual at Hintertux Gletscher (AUT), right after autumn training and the Freeheeler Festival (24–27 November), which brought together over 300 enthusiasts from Europe, the USA, and Argentina to celebrate the first snowfall.

FIS race sets the tone

On 28 November, the first FIS race of the season attracted more than 100 competitors and doubled as the German national championships. Anne Katharina Kessler and Max Sautter claimed the German titles.

This race also marked the comeback of Théo Sillon (FRA) after knee surgery last spring. His top-10 finish showed promising form for the French team. Nicolas Michel (SUI) took the men’s victory ahead of Alexis Page (FRA) and Mahlknecht (ITA). In the women’s race, Argeline Tan-Bouquet (FRA) triumphed over Goril Strom Eriksen (NOR) and Britain’s Jasmin Taylor, the defending Crystal Globe champion.

Léa Lathion’s breakthrough

The first World Cup race on 29 November delivered a surprise: Léa Lathion (SUI) claimed her maiden World Cup victory—and her first sprint podium—beating Eriksen (2nd), Tan-Bouquet (3rd), and Taylor (4th).

Swiss Team dynamics

The Swiss team is thriving under new coach Erwan Faivre, who replaced Julien Annequin in September. Faivre emphasized continuity and athlete confidence:

“The work went well during the autumn. It allowed me to get in touch and get to know my athletes better. I focused on continuing the work that Julien Annequin had put in place over the last few seasons. [...] Nicolas Michel has the maturity and experience to manage the start of the season. He's a driving force for the team, which explains the boys' very good overall results. As for Léa, we know she has the level, and we focused on finding a light-hearted approach to the event. Rediscovering the pleasure of competition, expressing her potential and then drawing conclusions. I'm very proud of her! For the future, I hope we can continue to maintain the same standards while continuing to integrate our juniors in preparation for the years to come,” Faivre explained.

Michel confirmed his leadership by winning the men’s World Cup race, ahead of Page (FRA) and Mikkel Nygaard Loeken (NOR).

Loeken family legacy

Telemark skiing remains a family affair. Mikkel Loeken celebrated his first World Cup podium after recovering from double hip surgery:

“It feels amazing! I didn’t expect this after two surgeries. Racing without Trym feels strange, but his advice helped a lot,” said Mikkel.

Trym, a four-time Crystal Globe winner who retired last season, added:

“Super stoked on Mikkel taking his first podium. Sure it’s not gonna be his last. After two hip surgeries and the rehab back from that, I’m very impressed with his performance.”

What’s next?

The season is off to an exciting start, but it’s too early to predict the Globe contenders. All eyes now turn to Pinzolo (ITA) on 19–21 December, where the battle for the holy grail of Telemark skiing will intensify.