Despite his sprinter profile, Chappaz decided to register for Marcialonga, Reistadløpet, Summit 2 Senja, and Ski Classics Grand Finale Janteloppet. We are talking to him about his choices and ambitions for those four races.

You have a sprinter’s profile, and yet the races you’ve chosen are among the longest of the season. Why did you make this choice?

“I chose the three races in April – Reistadløpet, Summit 2 Senja, and Grand Finale Janteloppet – because there’s no World Cup. I also really wanted to spend April in Scandinavia to continue skiing. So, I might as well put some race bib on and take the opportunity to discover another Tour and other races!” 

How about Marcialonga?

“For Marcialonga, it’s a bit different: I’m not selected to the distance race in the World Cup stage in Goms. The plan is to race the sprint and move to Italy and Marcialonga. The reason we train so hard in the summer is to race!” 

“I think these double poling long-distance races can suit sprinter profiles, like Kasper Staadas, for example, because you need to be powerful. Then these races will really allow me to improve my strength and technique. This will help me anyway for the coming seasons.” 

Will you do long-distance/marathons to prepare? 

I don’t think I’ll be doing marathons to get prepared. As I said before, I’m going there to work on my technique as well as to try to improve for future seasons. So, let’s say I’ll take the races as they come, with two weeks of double poling preparation after the last World Cup, and then we’ll see.”

Is long distance something that has attracted you for a long time? 

“Yes, the long-distance has definitely attracted me for a long time, but like the classic distance or the sprint. Overall, I’m a fan of cross-country skiing and all the races in it. Ski Classics Pro Tour is very attractive, with legendary races every weekend and big names on the start list.”

What are your goals for Pro Tour races? 

“I don’t really have any goals for these races. To try and stay in the pack for as long as possible. I want to gain experience in the technique and positioning in the field. I’m going there mainly to learn and build for the future.” 

“Overall, a season without the Olympics or World Championships, while still young, is a season of work. Let’s say these races will be part of the work I want to put in place for the future! The finish of the 2026 Olympic Games will be in double poling. I’m obviously thinking about it as I go and take on the best skiers in Ski Classics.” 

And do you want to play the sprints and gain points for the Green Sprint bib? 

“I don’t think I’ll play in the sprints. I’m already hoping that I’ll still be in the peloton at the time of the sprints.”

Why did you choose TNE to do these races? 

“Team Nordic Expérience is a Ski Classics Pro Team from France, and I’ve already done quite a few sessions with Jeremy Royer. It was natural for me to get closer to them so that I could take part in these races and try to score some points for them in the Pro Team rankings!” 

Do you already know whether you want to do all the races in double poling or classic? 

“Well, I don’t know yet. It will depend on my shape, confidence in my technique, and the snow conditions. But I’d still like to go all out and double pole like the best!”

Will long-distance races be part of your seasons in the future, or are you only doing them because it’s a year without major championships? 

“I don’t know at all. This season, I really wanted to ski in April to continue racing. I’m taking this opportunity to go and race in Ski Classics. I’ll see what happens in the following seasons, depending on the desire and the opportunities. But what’s certain is that I’d like to do a few seasons racing the big classic races later in my career.”