Pierre Vaultier Criticises ‘Mediocre’ Olympic Course After French Medal Disappointment
LIVIGNO, 15 February 2026 – Double Olympic champion Pierre Vaultier has launched a scathing assessment of the snowboard cross facilities at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Games, describing the course as “mediocre” following a frustrating day for the French contingent.
Expert Critique from a Legend
Vaultier, who secured back-to-back gold medals for France at Sochi 2014 and Pyeongchang 2018, has been present in Livigno as a technical expert and commentator. Following the men’s final on Thursday, 12 February, the Briançon-born legend did not hold back in his evaluation of the track design.
“It’s poor; where are we going to stop?” Vaultier remarked during an interview with French media. He argued that the technical layout of the course failed to meet the standards expected for an Olympic final, suggesting the design lacked the complexity required to truly separate the world’s elite riders. His comments came shortly after France’s leading medal hope, Aidan Chollet, finished in the “cruelest place”—fourth—just outside the podium positions.
Milan-Cortina 2026: Men’s Snowboard Cross Results
The event saw Austria’s Alessandro Hämmerle make history by defending his Olympic title, matching the back-to-back gold medal feats previously achieved only by Vaultier himself and American Seth Wescott. While the French team showed strong pace in the heats, they were unable to secure a medal in the final showdown.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Athlete Profile | Pierre Vaultier (Retired) |
| Olympic Honours | 2x Gold (2014, 2018) |
| 2026 Role | Technical Expert / Commentator |
| Top French Finisher (2026) | Aidan Chollet (4th Place) |
| 2026 Gold Medalist | Alessandro Hämmerle (Austria) |
A Legacy of Resilience
Vaultier’s critique carries significant weight in the snowboarding community due to his history of overcoming adversity. The Frenchman famously won his 2014 gold medal while competing with a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), a feat of endurance that remains a benchmark in winter sports. During the 2026 broadcasts, Vaultier also drew parallels between his past injuries and those of other athletes, such as Lindsey Vonn, highlighting the extreme physical risks inherent in high-speed alpine disciplines.
Despite his retirement from professional competition, Vaultier remains a central figure in the Hautes-Alpes region, where he is celebrated as a “legend of the snow” for his contributions to the sport and his promotion of the Briançon area as a premier global snowboarding destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Pierre Vaultier compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics?
No, Pierre Vaultier did not compete as an athlete. He served as an expert analyst and commentator, providing technical reconnaissance of the course for French television.
Who won the Men’s Snowboard Cross at Milan-Cortina 2026?
Alessandro Hämmerle of Austria won the gold medal, successfully defending his title from the 2022 Beijing Games.
What were Pierre Vaultier’s main complaints about the 2026 course?
Vaultier described the course in Livigno as “mediocre” and “poor,” expressing concerns that the track design was regressing and did not provide the appropriate challenge for an Olympic-level competition.