By Teemu Virtanen

Belgium is certainly a nation that is not often brought up when discussing about cross-country skiing and Visma Ski Classics. The country is more known for its great chocolate, delicious waffles, original fries and a large variety of beers. And movie buffs remember Jean- Claude Van Damme, the action film star, who acted in many famous action-packed movies in the 80s and 90s.

Now, a young athlete from the land of chocolate and other tasty things, Thibaut de Marre, is entering the Visma Ski Classics circuit representing the French Pro Team, Team Vercors Isere. Last winter, this 21-year old Nordic skier won the 10 km classic qualification race at the World Championships in Seefeld, Austria, which opened the gate for him to enter the actual Games. He then participated in the skiathlon (15 km classic + 15 km skating), team sprint and 15 km classic races, finishing 60^th, 23^rd and 75^th respectively. Additionally, this rising star took part in the Junior World Championships in Lahti, Finland, in January, and finished 42^nd in the 15 km skating race and 50^th in the 30 km classic race.

In Season X, Thibaut will join the action at least twice; he is going to do the Prologue races in Livigno, Italy, and Birkebeinerrennet in Norway. You can read about his Pro Team and this particular fresh face on our website under the Pro Team column or by using this link:

https://vismaskiclassics.com/pro-skiing/pro-teams/tvi/