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Laffont disappoints

The opening of the mogul season in Ruka was the scene of a small event.

For the first time since January 2018, Perrine Laffont (23) failed to make the Top 3 of a World Cup event.

The French, undisputed queen of the discipline, failed in a disappointing 4th position despite the best time in the final.

Laffont (76.57 points) was beaten by the American Olivia Giaccio (78.51), the Australian Jakar Anthony (78.17) and another American Kai Owens (76.61).

For men, the results are even harsher for the French clan.

Benjamin Cavet, vice-world champion, did not reach the final, the victory going to legendary Canadian Mikael Kingsbury, Olympic gold medalist in 2018.

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Ledeux and Adelisse are reassured

In difficulty two weeks ago in Stubai (Austria), Tess Ledeux found a smile again by finishing 2nd in Big Air on Saturday at Steamboat (United States).

Victim of two falls and eliminated in qualifying at Stubai in slopestyle, Ledeux (20) reacted well but all the same left the success to the Chinese Gu Ailing (184.25 points).

The French Tess Ledeux, during the series of the Big Air event, December 3, 2021 in Steamboat Springs (Colorado) Christian Petersen GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / AFP

The Frenchwoman (177.50 pts), holder of the big crystal globe, climbed on the podium for the second time in three outings this season, after her inaugural victory in Chur (Switzerland) on October 22.

But the head of the general classification remains occupied by the Swiss Sarah Hofflin.

On the men's side, Antoine Adelisse (25), who had a complicated start to the year after fracturing two ribs in August, relaunched himself by placing 3rd (180 points) behind the leader of the World Cup, the Austrian Matej Svancer (188.50 pts), and American Alexander Hall (185.75 pts).

The French Antoine Adelisse, during the final of the Big Air event, December 4, 2021 in Steamboat Springs (Colorado) Christian Petersen GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / AFP

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Jouve shines

Already fourth in the classic sprint in Ruka (Finland) last week for the start of the season, Richard Jouve confirmed his good form in Lillehammer (Norway) on Saturday by securing a first podium (3rd) in the first sprint disputed in skating , his favorite style.

"It feels good, it's extremely cool to make a podium from the second weekend, said the bronze medalist in the team sprint of the Olympic Games-2018, interviewed by AFP. It starts the season well. preparation has been done well and I have not yet reached my best level so it's all good for the future. There is still room for improvement and details to be refined. But I do not miss much for get a first success. "

Frenchman Richard Jouve, during qualifying for the cross-country sprint event, January 31, 2021 in Falun (Sweden) Fredrik SANDBERG TT News Agency / AFP / Archives

The weekend was also marked by the return to competition of Maurice Manificat.

The three-time Olympic medalist (35), who returned after having treated a pubalgia, finished 10th in the 15 km freestyle won by the Norwegian Simen Hegstad Krueger.

© 2021 AFP