12:23. Regularly placed at the head of the group in the skiathlon of the cross-country skiing world cup in Val di Fiemme (Italy), Hugo Lapalus undoubtedly had an idea in mind this Saturday in the sixth and penultimate race of the Tour de Ski.
Finally eighth on the line, the Frenchman secured the essential points in the overall classification by remaining in a good position on the eve of the much feared climb of Alpe Cermis (Italy). But that wasn’t all. The Haut-Savoyard also took first place in the best climber classification, with a 10-point lead over Mika Vermeulen.
On Sunday, shortly before 3pm, the Frenchman could become the first winner of this classification , as the purple bib has made its appearance on the tour this year. A fine symbolism just one year after Lucas Chanavat’s victory in the quest for the silver one for sprinters.
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