Timothy Loubineaud Targets 10,000m Redemption at Milano Cortina 2026
MILAN, 13 February 2026 – France’s premier speed skater, Timothy Loubineaud, returns to the ice at the Rho Fiera Milano today for the Men’s 10,000m final. Following a frustrating fifth-place finish in the 5,000m earlier this week, the 29-year-old from Arcachon seeks to secure France’s first speed skating medal of these Winter Games.
A Season of Records and Resilience
Loubineaud entered the 2026 Winter Olympics as a primary contender following a historic World Cup season. In November 2025, he stunned the skating world in Salt Lake City by shattering the 5,000m world record with a time of 6:00.23. Although his record was surpassed shortly after by Norway’s Sander Eitrem, the performance established Loubineaud as the leader of a resurgent French speed skating programme.
Despite his status as a world-record holder during the qualification cycle, Sunday’s 5,000m final proved difficult. Loubineaud skated in the final pairing alongside Canada’s Ted-Jan Bloemen but was unable to match the blistering pace set by Eitrem, who claimed gold in Olympic record time. Loubineaud finished in fifth place, approximately two seconds adrift of the podium positions.
Key Statistics: Timothy Loubineaud’s 2025/26 Campaign
| Event/Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| 5,000m Personal Best | 6:00.23 (Former World Record, Nov 2025) |
| 2026 Olympic 5,000m Result | 5th Place |
| World Cup Standing | Leader in Mass Start / Top 3 Long Distance |
| Age / Origin | 29 / Arcachon, Gironde |
The Road Ahead: 10,000m and Mass Start
The Frenchman’s Olympic schedule remains busy. Today’s 10,000m race, scheduled for 16:00, represents his best opportunity to rebound. Loubineaud has demonstrated exceptional endurance throughout the season, securing a bronze medal in the 10,000m during the World Cup circuit. Following today’s event, he is also expected to compete in the Mass Start, a discipline where he currently leads the international rankings.
Speaking to French media following his 5,000m disappointment, Loubineaud noted that his approach remains instinctive. “I have to stay focused on the effort rather than the medal,” he remarked. “The 10,000m is a different test of suffering, and that is where I often find my best rhythm.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Timothy Loubineaud’s world record time?
Timothy Loubineaud set a world record in the 5,000m in November 2025 with a time of 6:00.23. This record was later broken by Norway’s Sander Eitrem.
How did Loubineaud perform in his first race at the 2026 Olympics?
He finished 5th in the Men’s 5,000m final on 8 February 2026, missing out on a medal by roughly two seconds.
What other events is he competing in?
In addition to the 5,000m and 10,000m, Loubineaud is a top-ranked competitor in the Mass Start event and is a vital part of the French team pursuit collective.