Federico Pellegrino begins the 2025/2026 winter with a mix of gratitude and curiosity. After confirming that this will be his final World Cup season, the Italian sprint star approaches the opening weekend not with a sense of winding down, but with a genuine desire to discover what he can still deliver at the top level.

“I’m excited because I really want to see how my preparations have been and what my shape is compared to the other athletes,” Pellegrino told FIS.

He admits that the familiar markers of autumn training have taken on a new emotional tone this year.

“I also know my professional career will end, and sometimes I’ve felt a little sad or nostalgic. Some tears have come out because I’ve been living many moments as if it were the last time.”

A significant shift came with the birth of his second son, Fabien, earlier this year. The new family balance has changed his priorities and the way he manages training.

“The second child changed things a little. I have spent more time at home and less at training camps. My wife deserves my time now,” he said.

Also Read: World Championships medalist becomes a father again

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Despite the new dynamics at home, Pellegrino has no plans to scale back his racing. He intends to remain active throughout the season and listen to his body as the winter unfolds.

“I will try to compete as much as I can and as much as my body and health let me,” he said.

The Milano-Cortina 2026 Olympics remain a strong motivator. Pellegrino sees a growing Italian team capable of challenging for medals on home snow.

“Even if I wouldn’t take part in the Olympic Games, I am sure that Italy, at the moment, can try to win a medal in the team event,” he said.

As he steps into his last competitive winter, Pellegrino hopes his experience will help guide the next generation into a stronger era for Italian cross-country skiing.

Read More: Italian cross-country ski teams for season 2025/2026

FACTS Ruka World Cup Season 2025/2026

• When: Friday, November 28 to Sunday, November 30 
• Who: Elite national skiers – women and men
• Where: Ruka, Finland
• What: FIS Cross-Country World Cup in Ruka, Finland

PROGRAM

Friday, November 28: 10km Interval Start Classic (More details can be found HERE)

• 10:30 CET: 10km Individual C, Women
• 13:15 CET: 10km Individual C, Men

Saturday, November 29: Sprint Classic (More details can be found HERE)

• 8:55 CET: Sprint Qualify C, Women
• 8:55 CET: Sprint Qualify C, Men 
• 11:25 CET: Sprint Final C, Women 
• 11:25 CET: Sprint Final C, Men

Sunday, November 30: 20km Mass Start Freestyle (More details can be found HERE)

• 10:00 CET: 20km Mass Start F, Men
• 11:45 CET: 20km Mass Start F, Women

After Ruka, the World Cup heads to Norway (Trondheim). Then, to Switzerland (Davos) and the Tour de Ski (Italy). This period is followed by competitions in January in Germany (Oberhof) and Switzerland (Goms).

Then, it’s time for the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympic Games from February 7 to 22, 2026.

After Milano-Cortina, the World Cup ends the season with weekends in Sweden (Falun), Finland (Lahti), Norway (Drammen-Oslo), and the USA (Lake Placid).

Read More: Cross-country skiing World Cup: Calendar for the 2025/2026 winter season 

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