The French cross-country skiing season kicked off today in Bessans with a 10km interval start race in freestyle technique for senior women and men. Below are the highlights and full podium results from the opening day.

Women’s 10km – Perry sets the tone in Bessans

Leonie Perry (FRA) claimed the first victory of the winter, winning today’s 10km freestyle with a time of 28:44.2.

Camille Coupe (FRA) secured second place, 30.3 seconds back, while Juliette Ducordeau (FRA) completed the podium in third, 1:09.6 behind the winner.

Top 5, 10km Interval Start Freestyle, Women

1. Leonie Perry (FRA), 28:44.2
2. Camille Coupe (FRA), +30.3
3. Juliette Ducordeau (FRA), +1:09.6
4. Cloe Pagnier (FRA), +1:12.7
5. Melissa Gal (FRA), +1:22.6

Full results can be found HERE

Men’s 10km – Calderini takes a confident early-season win

In the men’s competition, Victor Cullet Calderini (FRA) delivered a strong performance to win the 10km freestyle race in 25:49.8.

Theo Schely (FRA) finished second, 18.1 seconds back, and Romain Vaxelaire (FRA) rounded off the podium in third, 20.0 seconds behind Calderini.

Top 5, 10km Interval Start Freestyle, Men

1. Victor Cullet Calderini (FRA), 25:49.8
2. Theo Schely (FRA), +18.1
3. Romain Vaxelaire (FRA), +20.0
4. Matteo Correia (FRA), +30.0
5. Sabin Coupat (FRA), +31.4

Full results can be found HERE

Two races, two days

The opening week in Bessans features a compact early-season program, with two freestyle competitions on back-to-back days.

PROGRAM FOR BESSANS 2025/2026: DAY BY DAY

• Wednesday, November 26 – 10km Interval Start, Freestyle technique
• Thursday, November 27 – 1.3km Sprint, Freestyle technique

More information can be found HERE

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

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