The French National Olympic and Sports Committee has selected Marco Heinis and Laurent Muhlethaler to represent France in Nordic combined at the Milan/Cortina 2026 Olympic Games. The duo earned their spots through strong early-season performances, leaving other contenders to watch from afar. The event is set for February 6-22 in Italy.
The selection process for France's Nordic combined team was highly competitive, with athletes vying for just two spots at the quadrennial event. On Tuesday, the French National Olympic and Sports Committee (CNOSF) revealed the chosen pair: Marco Heinis from Olympic Mont D’Or in the Massif Jurassien and Laurent Muhlethaler from Prémanon Ski Club, also in the Massif Jurassien. Their consistent results at the season's outset secured their places, while Mattéo Baud, Gaël Blondeau, Edgar Vallet, and Maël Tyrode were not selected.
The Milan/Cortina 2026 Olympic Games, scheduled from February 6 to 22 in Italy, will feature a dedicated Nordic combined program for the men. Events begin on Wednesday, February 11, with the men's Gundersen HS109 ski jumping competition at 10:00, followed by the 10km cross-country ski pursuit at 1:45 pm. On Tuesday, February 17, the men's Gundersen HS143 ski jumping takes place at 10:00. The team events conclude on Thursday, February 19, starting with the HS143 men's team sprint ski jumping at 10:00 and the 2×7.5 km cross-country ski pursuit at 2:00 pm.
This announcement marks another step in France's preparations for the Winter Olympics, highlighting the nation's focus on Nordic disciplines amid a tough qualification battle.
