Cross-country skiing: Hugo Lapalus plays a key role in the Trondheim skiathlon
Hugo Lapalus tried hard in the skiathlon at the world cross-country skiing championships in Trondheim, Norway, on Saturday. In great form, the Frenchman quickly showed his nose at the front of the race. Always on the right track with every acceleration, the Haut-Savoyard nevertheless lost precious metres on the final bump of the course.
Eleventh when he crossed the line, the skier from La Clusaz (Haute-Savoie), who equalled his career best performance in this event, was nevertheless not disappointed after having been one of the major players in the field. Speaking to Nordic Magazine, the French cross-country skier reflects on his first appearance in the 2025 event.
- You were in contact with the frontrunners right up to the last few metres, tell us about that final…
It was close but we had to try today. It wasn’t far off and that’s the game. It’s a bit annoying but that’s the way it is. It was cool all the same! When I saw [Martin Loewstroem] Nyenget start strongly in the classic, I told myself that I had to go for it and not give up. We pushed on but it didn’t make the gaps I wanted. But I don’t think we should have deprived ourselves. In skateboarding, as soon as there was an opportunity to get away, I tried to follow [Simen Hegstad] Krueger. Again, I thought it would be a bit more of a gap than that.
- What are you missing on the final climb to make the difference?
I attacked the last climb and was in a pretty good position. I made a few mistakes and maybe didn’t make the right choices. And to be up front, you had to be in the top three and not in the next eight or nine. I lacked that little ‘spark’. I know we need to work on that.
” I didn’t want to be a victim of the race.Hugo Lapalus at Nordic Magazine
- Gradually, however, the medal got closer, with a heavy skimming in the first few rounds…
In any case, that’s why we started. I didn’t want to be a victim of the race. I stayed in the leading group right to the end and I wanted to go for that medal. It’s not far away at the finish and I know what I’m missing. In any case, it bodes well for the future. I did really well in the classics and there’s plenty to do. I’ll have to be there all the time, but it’s great when I respond well!
- Does that give you confidence ahead of Tuesday’s individual classic?
The individual classic is my goal for the World Championships. It’s the race I’d ticked off my list. And when I see that today I responded pretty well in that style, I know it’s possible. In any case, with the results I’ve had all season, I know it’s possible. However, everything will have to line up and we’ll have to send out a strong signal. I’m motivated and I can’t wait.
- Are you happy with this Norwegian route?
The track was really good. It was hard but it was great. Honestly, it was a beautiful run and the conditions were quite pleasant to ski. The atmosphere was crazy. I think it’s been the best race of my life so far. There are people everywhere and I’d never seen anything like it. You can’t hear yourself breathe and I didn’t even hear a coach.
- Are you still a little frustrated after playing the leading roles for so long?
Of course there’s always frustration when you come within two or even three seconds of a medal. But the form is there and the World Championships have only just begun. There are still some great things to come. But obviously when you come here for the medals, it’s a bit frustrating. As I’ve said before, if I arrive and I’ve given my best and I couldn’t go any faster, that’s the main thing. Today they were better than me and that’s that. I’ve got to get back to work on my finish.
- You also skied for a long time with your team-mate Mathis Desloges. We can imagine that it must galvanise you to be two Frenchmen with the potential to win medals as the race goes on…
It’s great! It’s always a pleasure to ski with the French and to see that we have a very good level. We’ve been playing up front and that’s also what’s raising our level. We’re getting better every day. It’s really great and we’re going to keep working together. We’ve got to keep pushing ourselves, and one day it’s going to pay off big time. And when it does, we’ll be able to celebrate a bit, because after all, that’s what skiing is all about!
Read also
- Trondheim: Johannes Hoesflot Klæbo new world skiathlon champion, Mathis Desloges fantastic sixth
- “I’m not going there just to find out”: in Trondheim, Mathis Desloges wants to play in the big league for his first world championships
- “We have an even stronger team”: Jules Lapierre is ambitious before the start of the Trondheim Worlds
- “This is the first time I’m going into the Worlds with a real chance of a medal”: Hugo Lapalus tells Nordic Magazine ahead of the Trondheim Worlds, where he’ll be aiming for the podium.
- The full programme for the 2025 World Cross-Country Skiing, Ski Jumping and Nordic Combined Championships in Trondheim
