For the first time in years, the French national cross-country team has decided to forego their participation in the annual Blink Festival held in Norway in August.

The decision marks a significant departure from their customary involvement in the international competition. Both the men’s and women’s French National Teams have confirmed their absence from the highly anticipated sporting event scheduled to take place in Lysebotn and Sandnes from August 2 to 5, 2023.

Read More: French National Team for Season 2023/2024

The latest report by NordicMag sheds light on the French National Team’s different approach for the upcoming season. They have prioritized an alternative program rather than including the Blink Festival in their plans. However, it should be noted that individual athletes retain the freedom to participate in the festival independently.

For many elite skiers, the Blink Festival holds immense significance as it presents the first opportunity to compete against their peers since the conclusion of the World Cup finals in March.

With a strategic shift in focus, the French national cross-country team has set its sights on Toppidrettsveka (Top Sports Week) in Aure and Trøndelag, Norway, scheduled from August 16 to 19. Notably, the competitions held in Granåsen will be contested on the tracks set to be used for the 2025 World Championships. 

Additionally, the team plans to participate in the Trollhättan Action Week in Sweden, which includes Alliansloppet, from August 25 to 27.

While the absence of the French National Team at the Blink Festival may be surprising, their strategic decision reflects a calculated approach in aligning their training and competition schedule with their long-term objectives. As they focus on alternative events that offer valuable opportunities to hone their skills and prepare for future challenges, the cross-country skiing community eagerly awaits their performance at Toppidrettsveka and Trollhättan Action Week.

Also Read: Calendar for the Roller Ski World Cup 2023 and rule changes 

Make sure to check out our big roller ski test 2023

It’s time to get serious about dryland training. Check out the big roller ski test 2023, exclusively for our members.

On our big roller ski test 2023, we have tried, tested, compared, and reviewed no less than nine pairs of classic roller skis and eight pairs of skate roller skis from the major manufacturers.

Stability, comfort, and overall performance

We used two test skiers, one male, and one female. Both have a background in cross-country skiing and racing at the elite level and several years of extensive roller skiing experience. We sat down with our equipment testers and nailed down the features and properties we would rate. Each of these is rated on a scale from 1 to 5, where 1 is terrible, and 5 is marvelous.

In addition to rating these features and properties in a matrix, the testers also describe each pair in terms of the ride, skiing experience, overall feel, pros and cons, design, and functionality of fenders, etc.

THE BIG ROLLER SKI TEST 2023

To enjoy the roller ski review, the instructional videos, and our member articles during the roller ski weeks, you need to become a member of ProXCskiing.com.

BECOME A MEMBER HERE

As a member, you have access to all material on ProXCskiing.com, but also on our sister sites Langd.se, in Swedish, Langrenn.com, in Norwegian, and our site in Finnish, Maastohiihto.com. In addition to our news sites, you also have access to these services:

SC Play

Stream all Ski Classics events of the Pro Tour, including Vasaloppet, live and on-demand with English commentary and interesting expert commentators like Petter Eliassen, Seraina Boner, etc. Season XIV is available, as well as previous seasons.

SC MyPages

View all your race results and collect digital pins. SC MyPages is Ski Classics’ online community for Pro Tour athletes and recreational skiers. Set new goals, challenge your friends, and compare yourself to everyone with the SC ranking system.

As a member, you get access to skis and equipment tests, training tips from people who know what they are talking about, nutrition, and interviews and comments from people who have insight into the world of skiing.