French Snowboardcross Team Faces Aerodynamics Challenge at 2026 Olympics: “It’s Horrible”
At the 2026 Winter Olympics, the French snowboardcross team faced significant challenges in Livigno, Italy. On February 12, Aïdan Chollet led in the final moments of the race but experienced a sudden setback that highlighted the complexities of competitive snowboarding.
Key Moments in the Snowboardcross Final
Aïdan Chollet, the French contender, found himself in a promising position, leading the final race. However, as he approached the last turn, a dramatic shift occurred.
- Event Date: February 12, 2026
- Location: Livigno, Italy
- Finalists:
- Alessandro Haemmerle (Austria) – Gold
- Eliot Grondin (Canada) – Silver
- Jakob Dusek (Austria) – Bronze
- Aïdan Chollet (France) – Finished Last
- Loan Bozzolo (France) – 5th Place
- Jonas Chollet (France) – 6th Place
Aïdan Chollet’s Disappointment
Chollet’s lead was short-lived as competitors utilized aerodynamic drafting techniques in the final stretch. This unexpected maneuver allowed them to overtake him rapidly.
After the race, Chollet expressed his frustration, saying, “It’s horrible,” reflecting on how quickly fortunes can change in sports. In the aftermath, Kevin Strucl, the coach of the French team, also shared his dismay. He felt the team’s performance deserved better results, stating, “The guys showcased great potential, but finishing 4th, 5th, and 6th is tough to swallow.”
Team Performance and Future Prospects
The French snowboardcross team showed promise despite the disappointing finish. Although they did not secure podium placements, their performance indicated a strong potential for future competitions.
As the 2026 Olympics continue, the team aims to regroup and focus on improvement. With athletes like Aïdan Chollet and Loan Bozzolo, the future looks bright for French snowboardcross as they prepare for upcoming events while learning from this experience.
