With the culmination of the Tour de Ski 2025 at the Alpe Cermis, ski fans are treated to one of the most challenging and exhilarating final stages of the competition. This year, the stakes are high as the climbers face the 3.6 km ascent featuring gradients averaging 12% and hitting steep pitches of up to 28%. It’s not just another race; it’s the climax where everything can change, and the excitement is palpable.
After six demanding stages, the competitors are set for what some call the ultimate test. Among them is French skier Hugo Lapalus, who stands poised to make his mark. Currently positioned fifth and merely 15 seconds off the podium, Lapalus is aiming to not only seize his chance at glory but also to defend his purple jersey, awarded for the best climber. Speaking about the final challenge, Lapalus reflects, "This climb is double-edged. If you're really fit, you can hurt others. If you're not well, it can really catch you…"
Sunday's challenge at Alpe Cermis not only tests physical endurance but also mental fortitude. The total length may be 3.6 km, but the effort required is monumental, especially after the grueling preceding stages. Maurice Manificat, Eurosport consultant and former competitor, pointedly states, "A minute, one minute thirty, or even two minutes doesn’t mean anything!" emphasizing the unpredictable nature of the final climb.
Lapalus isn't alone on this quest. He is joined by fellow competitor Mathis Desloges, who also made it to the top ten and stands at ninth overall, seeking to cap off his first Tour de Ski with significant results. Desloges is only 3'12" behind series leader Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo, who boasts a commanding lead at 2:18. Nevertheless, the race remains tight and anything can happen on the ascent of Alpe Cermis.
While the competition heats up, many athletes are feeling the strain of illness plaguing the French team, which has left them decimated and down to just two competitors: Lapalus and Desloges. Alexandre Rousselet, responsible for the team, revealed, "We finish the Tour under difficulty but keep the pace going!" This camaraderie gives added motivation to Lapalus as he considers his teammates back home who are unable to compete.
The Alpe Cermis features inclines and descents demanding not only brute strength but also technique. Previous winners like Maurice Manificat recounted their past experiences on the same slopes. Some, like him, embraced the test; others simply endured it. He notes, "I liked Alpe Cermis, but sometimes my legs felt stiff, and it was pure suffering." The mental preparation and developing strategies play as significant roles as the physical ones.
Memories flood back as racers draw on past experiences. Lapalus bears the weight of his prior performance as he finished third last year, trailing behind the champion Jules Lapierre and German skier Friedrich Moch. Remembering the battle from the previous year, Lapalus admits, "It’s an effort made for me, so I love it. I prefer hills to flat courses, but this climb can also turn against you if you’re not careful-in your approach.."
With only seconds separating the athletes, the strategic play will be the deciding factor as well. "Your initial pause upon entering the climb needs to be perfect; it’s akin to entering the Arenberg Trench during Paris-Roubaix, where the right placement sets you up for success. It’s the same here at Alpe Cermis," recalls Manificat. Poor positioning could yield devastating consequences as those behind will struggle to recover lost ground quickly.
Competitors must rely not only on their endurance but also on their past experiences and performance under pressure. Lapalus, well-acquainted with the relentless nature of this upward slog, notes with resolve, "We’re pushing through to reach the top with the purple jersey and snag ourselves on the podium." Entering with camaraderie for their fellow competitors, especially their absent teammates, adds another layer of emotion and resolve to their final push.
Knowing the competition formats and the climactic nature of this Tour de Ski finale, fans and commentators alike anticipate the end of the contest with bated breath, ready to witness who will emerge as the overall champion. The Alpe Cermis stage promises to be not just another race— but the one where legends are made, and those who dare are rewarded.