Forced to put her career on hold for an indefinite period, the Olympics are now hanging by a thread.

The 29-year-old French cross-country skier was considered a clear choice both for the Olympic team and the World Cup squad, and a top candidate for the legendary climb in the Tour de Ski. But just days before the Tour begins, the veteran delivers disappointing news.

French skier Delphine Claudel, who won the Alpe Cermis stage two years ago, is sidelined for an indefinite period. Once again, the reason is an injury to her left foot.

“This time, I quickly eased off my left foot as soon as the pain appeared. There is swelling, but no fracture line in the navicular bone,” she wrote on her Instagram account.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Delphine Claudel (@delphine_claudel)

Solid start to the season

The French skiing star missed both the World Championships in Trondheim and almost the entire previous season due to a stress fracture in her foot. Ahead of this season’s opening, however, she was optimistic and believed the injury was behind her.

“I was diagnosed with a stress fracture in my foot after the World Cup in Ruka last year and couldn’t ski at all last winter. But now I’ve trained well throughout the summer and autumn and feel strong,” she told Langrenn.com ahead of the season opener in Beitostølen.

Claudel opened the season with a solid 15th place in the 10km race at the Norwegian season opener in Beitostølen. She also finished 13th in the mass start at the World Cup opening in Ruka the following week.

But then the problems returned. She did not start the skiathlon in Trondheim and had to skip the 10km race the next day. Claudel is now sidelined for an indefinite period.

Earlier in December, American skiing star Sophia Laukli also announced that she is out for an indefinite period.

Also Read: Steps away from World Cup campaign ahead of Olympics – out indefinitely

Must be smart

Claudel is now clear that she needs to be patient, sensible, and do the right things, while hoping to be back on skis in 2026.

“I continue my journey toward the rest of the season with hope and confidence, but above all by staying smart and cautious about the situation,” she said.

Chanavat makes a comeback

Claudel is not the only French star to have struggled with stress fractures this year.

Johannes Høsflot Klæbo’s friend and rival Lucas Chanavat was diagnosed with a stress fracture in his tibia in September, was entirely out of training for two months, and feared that both the Olympics and the entire season could be lost. However, he made his comeback in Trondheim and won the sprint in Davos, after just 20 days back in full training.

Lucas Chanavat is now ready for the Tour de Ski, which starts on December 28.

Read More: Tour de Ski 2025/2026: Complete program

Are you interested in traditional cross-country skiing? Click HERE and read more about it.