The two founders from the clubs of Méribel and La Clusaz, Richard Jouve and Hugo Lapalus finished 7th in Zhangjiakou in the final of the team sprint of two. Three days after the bronze snatch in the relay with Maurice Manificat and Clément Parisse, the French side were aiming for a new bronze medal, especially since four years ago, in Pyeongchang, the Manificat-Jouve duo had already won bronze in this same test.
For this edition, 23-year-old Hugo Lapalus, who is taking part in his first Olympic Games and who made an impression last Friday with his 7th place in the 15km classic, took the lead, when we were rather expecting Lucas Chanavat. Unlike four years ago, the team sprint was contested this time in classic style and no longer in skating, which may justify this choice. But Hugo Lapalus seemed to be in trouble this morning on his skis.
Norway’s crack Johannes Klaebo won this team sprint ahead of Finland and Russia.
In the women’s sprint, won by Germany, Léna Quintin from Grand Bornand and Mélissa Gal from Pays Rochois made it to the final and finished in last place.