In just one season, Victor Lovera went from being “list filler” in the World Cup to an Olympic medalist. He posted five top-20 finishes – more than in his entire career before 2025/26 – and won an Olympic silver medal after anchoring France to second place in the relay.
At his first Olympics, Lovera didn't just win a medal. He experienced a moment he says he will never forget.
Madshus caught up with the French star at the start of the 2027 World Championship season.
An Olympic medal and your best season ever – take us through your biggest and brightest moments!
“The start of the season wasn’t easy, and I almost didn’t make the Olympic team. But I kept working, and everything came together at exactly the right time, just before the Olympics,” says Lovera.
“It’s really difficult to put it into words, but I think the relay at the Olympics in Val di Fiemme will remain one of the best moments of my life.”
“I had the chance to carry the French flag for the final hundred meters. Becoming an Olympic silver medalist means so much to me. To be able to share that moment with my friends, my teammates and my family was just incredible.”
Nearly quit at 24
His Olympic breakthrough was a long way from inevitable. Lovera’s path to the top has been a rough one, marked by years of setbacks and uncertainty.
“I’ve had a lot of difficult seasons in the past, with many ups and downs and a lot of questioning. I was dropped from the French National Team several times,” says Lovera.
At 24, he nearly gave up on his dream.
“Two years ago, I thought it was going to be my last season, but I finally made my way onto the World Cup circuit and achieved my first top 10,” Lovera recalls.
“I never gave up, and I’m proud of the path I’ve taken. But I think I’ve also recently understood that the most important thing is being able to share these moments with the people around you. That’s what makes all these emotions and achievements feel even more real.”
Made a bold choice
Prior to the 2025-26 Olympic season, Lovera knew he needed to make a change.
He decided to replace his entire quiver of skis.
“It was a risky move to change equipment just before such a big goal, but I decided to make the switch, because I wanted to work very closely with my ski brand. I wanted it to feel almost like a family, where everyone works together and tries to improve day after day. And that’s something I’m really happy about after this first season,” says Lovera, and continues.
“For example, we decided to switch to 202 cm classic skis in the middle of the season, just before the Olympics, and everyone reacted very quickly. In the end, I achieved my best classic performance so far in the Olympic 50 km, with what I honestly think are the best classic skis I’ve ever had.”
A whole new approach
The Olympic breakthrough has changed more than Lovera’s results. It has changed the way he approaches his career.
“Of course, there is a lot of training behind it, but I also started to enjoy what I was doing more and more. I became more confident in myself,” Lovera says.
And for the first time in his career, he started thinking long-term and now has a masterplan. After the season, he sat down, put pen to paper and created a blueprint for the next stage of his career.
“I have made a plan for the next four years, but I also have a dream: I want to do everything possible to win the Olympic gold in the relay in 2030 – in France,” Lovera reveals.
“Of course, there are a lot of steps to take and it’s going to be a very long road. But having that goal in mind will keep me motivated for the next four years.”
Leaving his comfort zone
Part of Lovera’s new masterplan is another bold move. Despite his breakthrough, he wasn’t satisfied. He felt that something was still missing from his training approach.
“I realized during the Olympics that I needed to invest even more in my career,” says Lovera.
“I want to train more, but I also want to take some risks because I don’t want to stay around the top 10 or top 15. I want to take another step and become better.”
With his tight connection to Madshus team, Lovera decided to break away from the usual off-season routine of the French national team. Instead, he left to train and prepare for his next challenge in Lillehammer – just a skip and a hop from the factory in Biri - and join the national team only for camps.
What he found there, is a true skiers’ paradise.
“Everybody here is training all the time, and it’s probably one of the best places in the world to be a cross-country skier. I can’t wait to be on the start line at the next World Championships in Falun,” Lovera says.
Additionally, Victor Lovera talks about his transition to Madshus skis.
What were the biggest differences you noticed when switching to Madshus?
“I really like Madshus skis. For me, they have a very subtle combination of balance and efficiency, especially in skating. They helped me generate more power while also allowing me to stay more relaxed during races.”
How do you use the properties of the skis to your advantage on the course?
“In classic, I really like how free the skis feel. Even with klister, you barely feel the grip zone under the ski, which is a big advantage when double poling. I also think the skis are incredibly good in wet snow. That probably played a part in some of my best results at the Olympics and in the 50-kilometer at Holmenkollen,” Lovera says.
“I’m really excited to continue working with the Madshus team, to see how much further we can improve together.”