Thursday, March 27, 2025 – Puy-Saint-Vincent – Pelvoux (France)
Another sunny day in Puy Saint Vincent, with snow conditions similar to yesterday—spring snow. The official start list had 23 teams. Only eleven nations qualified for Final A, due to a last-minute DNS from the Polish team and regulations allowing only one team per nation on Final A, the final lineup was adjusted. Final B had 12 teams, with a maximum of two teams per nation. Focus was on key contenders after the World Championship in Morgins. Spain, followed by France and the USA, were the favorites. China, despite missing a podium in Morgins, were also on the favorites lists.
Mixed Relay highlights
Qualification:
With the USA presenting four teams, an intense internal battle unfolded for a spot in Final A. Across all nations, the primary battle was to qualify for Final A and secure a podium finish. The eleven teams advancing to Final A were:
- BU LUER / CIDAN YUZHEN (CHN 1)
- GULLON Celestin / MAUPOIX Camille (FRA 1)
- PEER Elias / ALBRECHT Emma (AUT)
- VOUTAZ Theo / DESEYN Robine Ruth Bert (SUI 1)
- HATT Simon / EURINGER Helena (GER 1)
- CASARES HERVIAS Gonzalo / SELLES SANCHEZ Laia (ESP1)
- HAUGEN Aron Rodal / ANDERSEN Elise Hjelset (NOR 1)
- BRILEY Griffin / BIRKINSHAW McCall (USA 1)
- NAKLADAL Josef / MATEJOVICOVA Eva (CZE 1)
- XYGKAKIS Christof / ARONIS Aikaterini (GRE 1)
- CURIONI Luca / POLLINI Giorgia (ITA 2)
Final A:
From the start, Italy, France, and Spain set a fast pace, leading the initial section before reaching the straight track. Most teams arrived at the first transition together, but with a quick change, Spain took the lead into the first downhill.
Spain and Germany led the second uphill after a strong German transition. The Chinese athletes responded with a big push, opening a 20-second gap at the start of the foot section. Spain and France followed. In the first women’s round, China secured the first relay handover, with Spain 15 seconds behind and France at 30 seconds.
In the men’s relay, Chinese and Spanish athletes pushed hard, extending their gap. The battle for third place was between the Czech Republic and France. By the second uphill, China, Spain, and France were separated by around 25 seconds, while the gap to the USA increased. However, Griffin gave everything to close it.
The second relay saw China dominating with a 31-second lead. The fight for third intensified between the USA and France. Spanish and French athletes, Laia and Camille, struggled on the last uphill, while China remained untouchable in first. Spain appeared secure in second, while the battle for third raged between France, USA, and Italy. In the final men’s relay, Griffin took responsibility from the start, pushing to catch up with French athlete Celestin. In the foot section, the American athlete overtook the French competitor, entering the last transition in third place. However, in a heartbreaking moment, Griffin crossed the line with a missing the skin on the ski, incurring a penalty (1minute). This incident handed third place to France, completing the podium with an outstanding Chinese victory and a strong performance from World Champions, the Spaniards, Laia and Gonzalo.
TOP 5
- BU LUER / CIDAN YUZHEN (CHN) – 32:31.5
- CASARES HERVIAS Gonzalo / SELLES SANCHEZ Laia (ESP) – 34:07.8
- GULLON Celestin / MAUPOIX Camille (FRA) – 34:53.4 (+00:10″)
- CURIONI Luca / POLLINI Giorgia (ITA) – 35:23.5
- BRILEY Griffin / BIRKINSHAW McCall (USA) – 35:27.3 (+01:00′)
ISMF Youth World Cup Finals – Mixed Relay track
The first loop started with a zig-zag uphill section where athletes showcased their skills in kick turns. The upper part was a straight track, allowing athletes to go full power with fewer technical challenges. The first downhill had open turns, facilitating overtakes. A short 5-meter skating section preceded the second transition, where athletes had to put their skins back on.
The second loop mirrored yesterday’s sprint race. The uphill was a direct line, quite steep from the beginning, with a diamond section that pushed athletes to use their upper body. The foot section was an easier part, allowing for recovery while maintaining speed. The downhill was an off-piste section with bumps at the beginning, demanding top skiing skills. Before crossing the finish line, athletes had to put their skins back on.
Total ascent: 140m, with the second uphill adding 10m.
Follow the action
You can find all the useful press links by clicking on the following:
ISMF Youth World Cup Finals – Upcoming races
- Friday, March 28: Rest Day
- Saturday, March 29: Individual Race 9.00-10.30 am TSD Bergerie Chairlift 1600-2100m
- Sunday, March 30: Vertical Race 9.00-10.30 am TSF Préron & Crête Charlift 1200-2300m
This schedule is subject to change. Stay updated by following the ISMF on social media (links available at the bottom of the page).