Biathlete Lena Repinc convincingly to the title of national champion in the ascent

Slovenian cross-country skier Lena Repinc has made a convincing claim to the title of national champion in the uphill category after securing victory at the Pokljuka climb, which was considered a national championship race. The 17-year-old athlete competed for the Born to Win BTC City Ljubljana team during the 15.7-kilometer test with over 720 meters of elevation gain. Although her team did not include some of Slovenia’s top road cyclists, Repinc's performance stood out significantly, especially against her second-place competitor who was almost five minutes behind. Repinc had already participated in the national championship in road cycling earlier this month, finishing in tenth place in the team category. She expressed interest in competing in more demanding races, particularly focusing on how she adapts to leading positions, tactical decisions, and higher intensity than previously experienced in recreational events. At a press conference, she emphasized her openness to potential changes in sport while reaffirming that biathlon will remain her primary discipline for now. She explained that she wants to experience competition firsthand, noting the difference between training and actual racing. “I know I enjoy riding during training, but I can see that races aren’t for me,” she said, adding that she might yet find enjoyment in them. She also mentioned that she doesn’t see herself as a sprinter and prefers climbs, which was confirmed by her win at Pokljuka. Repinc first gained attention in the cycling community last year when she won an 80-kilometer test at the L'Etape Slovenia festival, part of the international "Tour de France" series. Her participation in such events marked her introduction to competitive cycling circles. Other athletes have also transitioned from biathlon to cycling, including French biathlete Émilien Jacquelin, who competed in the recent Olympic Games and drew attention for using the distinctive whistle of legendary Italian cyclist Marco Pantani, whom he admired since childhood. Jacquelin took a significant step into professional cycling by joining the NewGen Decathlon CMA CGM development squad, aiming to assess his potential in competitive cycling. He could potentially compete professionally starting August 2026 under the Decathlon banner. In July, following a recovery period after breaking his ankle, Jacquelin participated in an amateur cycling race and finished in fourth place, showing promise in the sport. His journey reflects a growing trend of athletes exploring new disciplines, driven by personal interests and opportunities within the sports world.