France Finishes Sixth in Paralympic Cross-Country Relay, Veteran Daviet Pushes Through the Pain

MILAN CORTINA, Italy – The French team of Benjamin Daviet, Anthony Chalençon, and Karl Tabouret finished sixth in the 4 x 2.5km open relay at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games on Saturday, falling short of a podium finish despite the presence of two decorated Paralympians in their lineup. China took gold, followed by Germany and Norway.

Daviet, a legend in para-Nordic skiing, set a strong pace for the French team on the first leg, finishing in third position behind Germany and China. The 36-year-old’s performance initially signaled a potential medal run for the French squad. Karl Tabouret, the reigning Paralympic champion in the 10km classic, maintained that position on the second leg, keeping France firmly in contention.

Navigating a Challenging Course and Tough Competition

The relay format demands both individual strength and seamless transitions, and the French team faced a particularly stern test against a field of highly competitive athletes. Guided by Florian Michelon, cousin of Olympic biathlon champion Océane Michelon, Anthony Chalençon found himself battling against a surging Norwegian team on the third leg. The Norwegians ultimately overtook France, shifting the dynamic of the race.

The final leg proved to be the most grueling. Daviet, already having completed one demanding leg earlier in the race, was tasked with navigating the course against fresher competitors. “Anthony and I are starting to get old, and we demand to capture it a bit easier. The younger guys need to come help us!” Daviet remarked after the race, acknowledging the physical toll of competing at the highest level.

Daviet’s Resilience on Display Despite Exhaustion

Facing athletes with visual impairments, Daviet struggled to maintain his pace on the final leg. The veteran skier visibly exhausted himself, collapsing just after crossing the finish line. “I wouldn’t want to be in the physiotherapist’s place this afternoon,” Daviet joked, highlighting the physical strain he endured. His commitment to pushing through the pain underscored his dedication to the team and the sport.

This relay result comes after Daviet secured a bronze medal in the men’s standing sprint classic earlier in the week, marking his 11th Paralympic medal overall. Despite the disappointment of not reaching the podium in the relay, Daviet’s individual success continues to cement his status as one of France’s most decorated Paralympic athletes.

A Mixed Paralympic Games for the French Team

The French team, which has medaled at the last three Paralympic Winter Games, will be looking to rebound from this result. The sixth-place finish represents a setback for a program with a strong tradition in para-Nordic skiing.

Anthony Chalençon expressed pride in his team’s effort, stating, “I am proud of our team, everyone fought. It was very hard for Benjamin to follow up.” The sentiment reflects the team’s determination and resilience despite the challenging circumstances.

Looking Ahead: One Final Chance for Glory

The three French skiers have one final opportunity to add to their medal count on Sunday, in the 20km ski de fond event, scheduled to start at 9:00 AM local time (UTC+1). This will be a crucial race for the team as they aim to finish the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games on a high note.

The 20km event will test the endurance and tactical acumen of the athletes, providing a final showcase for their skills and determination. Fans can follow the race and uncover official updates on the official Paralympic website.

Daviet’s performance throughout these Games has been a testament to his longevity and unwavering spirit. Even in moments of exhaustion, his dedication to his teammates and the sport shines through. The French team will undoubtedly be looking to draw inspiration from his example as they prepare for their final competition.