Clément Noël: France’s Flag-Bearer Leads Alpine Charge at Milan-Cortina 2026
MILAN, 09 February 2026 – Clément Noël, the defending Olympic slalom champion, has officially begun his quest for further glory at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Games. Following his prestigious selection as the male flag-bearer for the French delegation during Friday’s opening ceremony at the San Siro, Noël is now transitioning from ceremonial duties to the technical demands of the piste.
A New Chapter for the Slalom King
Four years after his clinical second-run performance secured gold in Beijing, the 28-year-old Vosges-native enters these Games with a refined mental approach. Speaking to the press in Italy, Noël noted that he feels “mentally stronger” than in previous cycles. His role as flag-bearer, shared with snowboarder Chloé Trespeuch, underscores his status as the leader of a French alpine squad currently enjoying a period of high momentum.
On Monday, Noël participated in the newly formatted Men’s Team Combined. Following a solid downhill run by teammate Nils Allègre, which saw the French duo remain in medal contention, Noël is tasked with the slalom leg to secure a podium finish. The competition remains fierce, with Italy’s Giovanni Franzoni setting the early pace on home snow.
Athlete Profile: Clément Noël
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 03 May 1997 |
| Discipline | Slalom (Specialist) |
| World Cup Success | 15 Victories, 33 Podiums |
| Olympic Status | Defending Champion (Slalom, 2022) |
| 2026 Role | Flag-bearer for Team France |
The Road Ahead: Slalom Title Defence
While the Team Combined offers an immediate medal opportunity, the focal point of Noël’s Olympic campaign remains the individual Slalom. He faces a crowded field of challengers, most notably Norway’s Atle Lie McGrath—who defeated Noël in World Cup action in December 2025—and Switzerland’s Loïc Meillard, the 2025 World Champion.
Experts suggest that while Noël possesses the highest “top-end speed” on the circuit, his consistency will be the deciding factor. The French technical team has expressed confidence in his preparation, noting that his familiarity with the Italian snow conditions could provide a marginal gain over his Scandinavian rivals.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Men’s Slalom event at the 2026 Olympics?
The individual Men’s Slalom is scheduled to take place during the second week of the Games. Fans should check the official Milan-Cortina 2026 schedule for exact start times, typically held in two runs at 10:00 and 13:30.
Who were the French flag-bearers for the 2026 Winter Olympics?
Clément Noël (Alpine Skiing) and Chloé Trespeuch (Snowboard Cross) were elected by their peers to lead the French delegation during the opening ceremony on 6 February 2026.
How many Olympic medals has Clément Noël won?
As of the start of the 2026 Games, Clément Noël has one Olympic medal: a Gold medal won in the Men’s Slalom at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics.