The French Ski Federation has selected 20 athletes for the Junior and U23 World Cross-Country Ski Championships in Lillehammer, Norway. The event, scheduled for March 2 to 8, features promising talents including Olympic hopefuls Justine Gaillard and Léonie Perry. This announcement highlights France's preparations for upcoming international competitions.
Late on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, the French Ski Federation (FFS) revealed its squad for the Junior and U23 World Cross-Country Ski Championships, set to take place from March 2 to 8 in Lillehammer, Norway. Originally planned for Trondheim, the 2026 edition was relocated to Lillehammer, providing a historic venue for the next generation of skiers. A total of 20 French athletes will represent the country, split between the under-23 and junior categories. In the U23 group, the men's selections include Mathieu Blanc of CS Méribel, Ivan Essonnier of CS La Feclaz, Milhan Laissus of CS Les Ménuires, Romain Vaxelaire of La Bressaude Ski Section, and Quentin Viguier of CS La Clusaz. The women's U23 team comprises Heidi Convard of CS Courchevel, Liv Coupat of Bessat Sport d’Hiver, Margot Tirloy of CS La Clusaz, along with Olympic prospects Justine Gaillard of SA Méaudre and Léonie Perry of La Bressaude Ski Section. For the juniors, the men are Valentin Berna of SC Markstein Ranspach, Johan Calandry of The Annecy Dragons, Gaspard Cottaz of SN Oisans, Victor Lafrasse of SC Le Grand Bornand, and Mario Perrillat-Collomb of SC Le Grand Bornand. The junior women include Annette Coupat of Bessat Sport d’Hiver, Lucile Coutaz of SC Bozel, Agathe Margreither of Haut Jura Ski, Romane Nappey of SC Val de Morteau, and Anouchka Neuville of SCN Pays Rochois. This diverse group, drawn from various French ski clubs across regions like Savoie and Meurthe-et-Moselle, underscores the depth of talent in French cross-country skiing. The championships will serve as a crucial platform for these young athletes to gain experience ahead of major events like the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics.
