Hugo Lapalus Avoids Virus and Secures Another Podium at Tour de Ski

Hugo Lapalus Avoids Virus and Secures Another Podium at Tour de Ski

Originally published in L'Équipe on January 05, 2025

Hugo Lapalus, the leader of the French ski team, managed to navigate through illness and racing challenges to secure a second consecutive podium at the Tour de Ski. On the final climb, Lapalus finished fourth in the mass start, which also secured him third place overall in the event rankings.

Despite battling a virus that affected many members of the team, including the first victim Jules Chappaz who had to withdraw, Lapalus focused on his performance, highlighting the importance of resilience in competitive sports. His efforts culminated in a remarkable finish, showcasing his growth as a competitor who now regularly competes with the world’s best.

As he returns home to La Clusaz, Lapalus aims to recover from the virus before the upcoming World Cup in The Rousses. His performance reinforces his position as a dominant figure in distance skiing, particularly noted for his capacity to push through adversity.