TelemarkIn the idyllic snow-clad peaks of Pra Loup, the FIS Finals Telemark World Cup became the crescendo of a winter’s tale rich in athleticism and heart. From March 18 to 22, 2024, the world’s finest telemark skiers convened on the French slopes to carve their marks into the annals of their sport. It was a season that promised much and delivered even more: remarkable performances that defied expectations, victories that were as thrilling as they were unexpected, and a wave of new talent that rose to the challenge. Each race carved not just the snow, but also the start of new legacies, heralding a future as bright as the mountain sun.
The picturesque slopes of Pra Loup, France, became the stage for the thrilling conclusion of the FIS Telemark World Cup season from March 18 to 22, 2024. This event not only marked significant achievements in the sport but also highlighted the fierce competition and emerging talents within the telemark skiing world.
Alexis Page Eyes Historic Grand Slam
French junior sensation Alexis Page, currently third in the World Cup overall standings, aimed for an unprecedented grand slam at the Junior World Championships held in conjunction with the World Cup finals in Pra Loup. His goal was to clinch victories across all categories: Classic, Sprint, Parallel Sprint, and Team events. With the support of former French team athlete and Pra Loup telemark skiing ambassador Camille Martinet-Métral, Page was the favorite to achieve this feat, bringing attention and excitement to the junior competitions.
World Cup Final Highlights
The World Cup finals brought several standout performances. In the Classic race, Augustine Carliez of France took her first ever World Cup win, leading the women’s field, while Norway’s Trym Nygaard Loeken topped the men’s category, showcasing the depth of talent across nations.
The Sprint race saw Norway’s Gori Strom Eriksen and France’s Trym Nygaard Loeken clinching top honors, highlighting their exceptional skill and endurance.
The Parallel Sprint event was a showcase of determination and skill, with Britain’s Jasmin Taylor and France’s Elie Nabot emerging victorious. These wins underscored their dominance in the sport and their capacity to perform under pressure.
Jasmin Taylor: A Season of Triumphs
British skier Jasmin Taylor’s performance was particularly noteworthy. She secured a double win in the Parallel Sprint and overall titles, capping off a season that saw her ascend to the top of the telemark world. Taylor’s achievements include 11 podium finishes this season, culminating in her double Globe win for the Sprint and overall titles—a testament to her skill, resilience, and determination.
Her journey from making her World Cup debut in 2011 to becoming a world champion exemplifies the spirit of telemark skiing. Taylor’s success is not just a personal victory but a milestone for British skiing, as she became the first British skier to win a World Championship medal in 2015.
Reflecting on her season, Taylor shared her emotional rollercoaster, from a strong start, through mid-season challenges, to a triumphant finish. With the support of her family at the finals, her victories in Pra Loup were a dream come true, highlighting not just her prowess on the slopes but also the critical role of support and perseverance in achieving greatness.
A Season to Remember
The FIS finals Telemark World Cup in Pra Loup were a fitting climax to a season filled with remarkable performances, unexpected victories, and the emergence of new talent. As athletes from around the world head home, they take with them memories of triumph, lessons from defeat, and the anticipation of yet another exciting season ahead. The 2024 World Cup finals have once again underscored the unique challenges and joys of telemark skiing, a sport that continues to grow, evolve, and inspire.
As the curtains fall on the World Cup finals in Pra Loup, the telemark community looks back on a season that was nothing short of extraordinary. The athletes, their spirits undeterred by the challenges they faced, return to their homes with the echoes of cheers and the weight of medals as reminders of their achievements. They also carry the invaluable experience gleaned from both victory and loss, fueling their hunger for the next season. This year’s finals did more than just spotlight champions; they celebrated the spirit of telemark skiing a sport that, through its unique blend of discipline and artistry, continues to captivate, evolve, and above all, inspire.
