Born into a family of experienced skiers, Lucas Richard was immersed in the world of skiing from an early age. “I was put on skis as soon as I learned to walk,” says the Savièse native. His passion for alpine skiing then came to life as he watched the “big names” tackle the resort’s race course.
Inspired by Didier Cuche’s exploits, Lucas Richard nevertheless fell out of love with his sport at the age of 15 and stopped racing. A friend then encouraged him to try competing in ski cross. “I seized that opportunity, and I have never left the sport since.”
On to the Europa Cup
It was a choice that paid off immediately. From his very first runs, something clicked for Lucas Richard. “I loved it straight away,” he says, adding: “The atmosphere was completely different.” Despite the lack of facilities in Valais early in his career, the Savièse skier used his strong results to find a productive training environment.
“From my first races, I achieved the results I needed to move up to the Europa Cup,” he explains. This gave the Savièse skier the opportunity to train with the Swiss-Ski squads soon afterwards. It was a golden opportunity, although he had to fund it himself.
A junior world title in Veysonnaz
But his first season on the European circuit ended with a serious injury: a torn cruciate ligament. Despite this period of doubt, Lucas Richard returned to competition and went on to become junior world champion in Veysonnaz in 2022. “Winning in front of my family and friends was magical,” he recalls.
Last year, Lucas Richard finished on the podium in the overall Europa Cup standings. That result secured him a permanent World Cup place, allowing him to compete in every race of the season. It was a first for a skier from Valais. This season, the Savièse native can finally devote himself entirely to ski cross, having recently completed a bachelor’s degree in economics.
Since last summer, the Valais skier has been working in a completely new environment. He trains with new coaches, a new team and, above all, the best skiers in the country. As the youngest member of the Swiss men’s team, he says: “I learn from the advice of the more experienced athletes.”
Steady progress
With a significant step up from the Europa Cup to the World Cup, the newcomer expected a challenging year. “I knew it would be difficult to compete with skiers who have been racing on these courses for ten years,” explains the Valais athlete. “My aim is to gain as much experience as possible this season.”
Despite that change, Lucas Richard qualified for the finals at the very first race of the season. Since then, the Savièse skier has been pleased with his performances: “I feel as though I am making steady progress.”
Making the most of racing at home
Although this is Lucas Richard’s first full World Cup season, he had already competed in the Veysonnaz races in previous seasons, without making it through qualifying. “This year, I would like to qualify, and anything else will be a bonus.”
“I do not feel any external pressure because the race is close to home, but of course I think about it a little more,” explains the skier who won his junior world title on the Piste de l’Ours. He adds: “Last year, I had a few problems on this course, but I feel I have improved.”
The pride of Valais
With the Olympics just a few weeks away, Lucas Richard will not be taking part in the ski cross events in Livigno. In his first World Cup season, the challenge was too great.
“I am still at the very start of my career; I have time ahead of me,” he says reassuringly. “I still have time to build up years of experience before the next Olympics.” Having forged an unprecedented path to the World Cup, Lucas Richard could therefore become the first skier from Valais to represent Switzerland in Olympic ski cross.