French Paralympians dominate Cortina's brutal Giant Slalom with gold and silver
French Paralympic skiers have made their mark in Cortina d'Ampezzo, with two athletes securing top positions in the Giant Slalom standings. Arthur Bauchet claimed first place in the Super-Combination standing category, while Aurélie Richard took second in her event. The races, held on March 12, 2026, tested competitors with harsh snow conditions and demanding terrain.
Arthur Bauchet, a four-time world champion in giant slalom, triumphed on the Tofana run despite the brutal conditions. He described the course as 'really tough' and 'battering' from start to finish, with hard-packed snow and relentless bumps making it difficult to control his legs. His winning time put him 0.29 seconds ahead of Switzerland's Robin Cuche and 1.64 seconds clear of Russia's Aleksei Bugaev.
Bauchet acknowledged the tight competition, noting that the next run would remain fiercely contested. Meanwhile, Jules Segers emerged as the second-best French finisher, securing sixth place overall. Jordan Broisin and Oscar Burnham also featured in the top ten, placing eighth and tenth respectively. In the visually impaired category, Hyacinthe Deleplace faced misfortune when he lost a ski mid-run and was forced to abandon the race.
The results confirm France's strength in Paralympic alpine skiing, with multiple athletes finishing in high positions. Bauchet's victory, despite the punishing conditions, highlights his skill and resilience. The competition remains open, with narrow margins separating the top contenders.
