Endurance and Determination on Display in Mass Start Races at Bessans 2025

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The 2025 Virtus World Nordic Skiing Championships continued with an exhilarating display of endurance and tactical racing as athletes competed in the mass start events on the fourth and final day. With grueling distances and fierce competition, the event saw standout performances from familiar champions and thrilling battles for the podium.

Medallists from Men’s II1 (L) and Women’s II1 from the ‘mass race’ at Bessans 2025. Photo Credit: Geoffrey Wahlen

Volegov Ivan once again demonstrated his dominance, securing gold with a time of 40:05.98. The home crowd had reason to celebrate as France’s Dubois Titouan put up a strong fight to claim silver at 40:23.48. Fellow French skier Guebey Yann rounded out the podium, finishing in 42:02.27 to take bronze.

Guber Irina continued her remarkable championship run, claiming yet another gold with an impressive time of 31:05.96. Kashevarova Alina followed her teammate to the finish line, securing silver in 36:20.55. France’s Petitnicolas Manon fought hard to earn bronze at 38:05.70, keeping the host nation on the podium.

Medallists from Men’s II2 (L) and Men’s II3 (R) from the ‘mass race’ at Bessan’s 2025. Photo Credit: Geoffrey Wahlen

Colomby Clement proved unstoppable once more, finishing well ahead of the competition with a commanding time of 42:28.07. Italy’s Kostenr Tobia Maria crossed the line in 57:30.73 to take silver, while his compatriot Oltolina Mattiase secured bronze in 1:04:40.97.

France’s Richard Clement continued his impressive performance in Bessans, finishing with a time of 41:26.91 to add another gold medal to his tally.

Day 4 of the championships showcased the incredible resilience and stamina of the world’s top para Nordic skiers. As the competition heats up, the athletes continue to push their limits, delivering inspiring performances with each event.

The full results can be accessed from the competition website.

Thrilling Team Performances Light Up in Day-3 Of Bessans 2025

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The excitement continued on Day 3 of the 2025 Virtus World Nordic Skiing Championships in Bessans, with high-stakes relay events taking center stage. Teams from across the globe battled through the snow, delivering electrifying performances that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. France and neutral banner athletes emerged as the dominant forces, claiming multiple victories and showcasing remarkable teamwork and endurance.

(L-R) Neutral, France and Estonia, champions of Men’s relay race at Bessans’s 2025. Photo Credit: Geoffrey Wahlen

The French duo of Guebey Yann and Dubois Titouan thrilled the home crowd with a stellar performance, clinching gold with a time of 12:54.77. The neutral team of Charushnikov Aleksandr and Sorokin Aleksandr followed in second place at 13:27.14, displaying impressive synchronization and speed. Estonia’s Pärn Greg-Emil and Teearu Hanscrossed the finish line at 14:14.10, securing a well-earned bronze.

(L-R France, Neutral and Japan, Winners of Women’s relay race at Bessans 2025. Photo credit: Geoffrey Wahlen

 In a dominant display, Kashevarova Alina and Guber Irina, competing under the neutral banner, surged to victory with a commanding time of 16:20.75. France’s Petitnicolas Manon and Thiroux Lea battled hard for silver, finishing at 18:06.13. Japan’s Shimura Ririsu and Oba Aoi rounded out the podium, earning bronze with a time of 20:03.86.

Champions of Mixed relay race, France, Neutral, Japan (L-R) at Bessans’s 2025. Photo Credit: Geoffrey Wahlen

The mixed relay event saw another gold medal for the neutral banner team as Volegov Ivan and Guber Irina dominated the course, finishing at 14:28.93. The French pair of Garin Joseph and Thiroux Lea secured silver in 17:28.87, putting up a strong fight. Japan’s Nishimura Junichi and Nakazawa Kei delivered an impressive effort to claim bronze, crossing the finish line at 19:11.32.

In Men’s II2, Oltolina Mattia and Kostenr Tobia Maria were awarded gold medal for their tru sportsmanship in men’s relay event.

Day 3 of the Virtus World Nordic Skiing Championships was a testament to the power of teamwork and resilience. With strong performances across all relay categories, France and neutral banner athletes solidified their dominance, while Estonia and Japan made their mark on the podium. As the championships continue, the competition remains fierce, and more exhilarating races are on the horizon.

Stay tuned for more updates from Bessans 2025 as the world’s best para-athletes continue their quest for glory!

Familiar Faces Dominate the Podium in Cross-Country Sprint Finals at Bessans 2025

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The 2025 Virtus World Nordic Skiing Championships continued with high-energy cross-country sprint races, and remarkably, the podium standings mirrored those from the opening day. In a thrilling display of consistency and elite performance, the same champions once again emerged victorious, proving their dominance in the snow-covered tracks of Bessans.

Podium finishers of Men’s II1 Sprint (L) and Women’s II1 Sprint (R). Photo Credit: Geoffrey Wahlen

Volegov Ivan, competing under a neutral banner, again showcased his supremacy in the II1 category, storming to victory in the men’s sprint final. With another stellar performance, he secured his second gold medal of the championship. His teammate, Sorokin Aleksandr, continued to challenge for the top spot, securing silver once again. France’s Dubois Titouan repeated his strong showing, claiming bronze and giving the host nation another reason to celebrate.

Guber Irina delivered another commanding performance, taking home her second gold medal in the II1 women’s sprint final. Kashevarova Alina once again followed in second place, proving her consistency at the highest level. France’s Petitnicolas Manon stepped onto the podium with a well-earned bronze, adding another medal to the host nation’s tally.

Podium finishers for Men’s II2 Sprint (L) and Men’s II3 (R). Photo Credit: Geoffrey Wahlen

Colomby Clement cemented his place as the top athlete in the II2 category, repeating his success from the opening day with another gold medal. Italy’s Kostenr Tobia Maria and Oltolina Mattia once again claimed silver and bronze, maintaining their spots on the podium in an intense battle for positioning.

France’s Richard Clement, the sole competitor in the II3 category, added yet another gold to his collection, continuing his remarkable championship run.

As the championships progress, all eyes remain on these remarkable competitors, who continue to raise the bar in Virtus Nordic skiing.

For full results, visit the competition website.

Stay tuned for more thrilling action from Bessans 2025 as the world’s best para-athletes continue to battle for glory on the snow-covered tracks!

Dominant Performances Mark the Opening Day of the 2025 Virtus World Nordic Skiing Championships

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The 2025 Virtus World Nordic Skiing Championships kicked off in thrilling fashion at the Le Carreley sports complex in Bessans, setting the stage for intense competition and remarkable athleticism. Cross-country skiing individual classic took center stage on Day 1, with athletes showcasing their skill, endurance, and determination in pursuit of championship glory.

In the II1 category, competitors skiing under the neutral banner delivered commanding performances across both the men’s and women’s races, sweeping the podium in multiple events.

Winners of Men’s II1 (L) and winners of Women’s II1 individual race at Bessans 2025. Photo Credit: Geoffrey Wahlen

Volegov Ivan stormed to victory with an impressive time of 29:06.98, securing the gold medal with an outstanding display of speed and stamina. His compatriot, Sorokin Aleksandr, followed closely behind, clocking 29:55.45 to claim silver. The host nation’s pride, Dubois Titouan, fought hard to secure bronze, finishing at 30:09.94 and ensuring France made its mark on the podium.

Guber Irina put on a dominant performance in the women’s race, crossing the finish line with an exceptional time of 17:00.96 to take home the gold. Her teammate, Kashevarova Alina, followed in 20:11.27, securing silver. The battle for bronze was intense, with Sweden’s Bjoerfeldt Kristin clinching the third spot at 20:12.94, just fractions of a second behind.

Winners of Men’s II2 (L) and champion of Men’s II3 individual race at Bessans 2025. Photo Credit: Geoffrey Wahlen

In the Men’s II2 category, France’s Colomby Clement delivered a powerhouse performance, outpacing the competition with a winning time of 21:50.60. Italian skiers Kostenr Tobia Maria (28:29.85) and Oltolina Mattia (32:13.28) took silver and bronze, respectively, completing an all-European podium.

The Men’s II3 event saw another triumph for the host nation, as Clement Richard, the sole competitor in the category, crossed the finish line at 30:23.83, proudly adding another gold to France’s tally.

“I am very happy with my race results. I compared my results to the II1 Men’s, and I would be standing fourth in that category, which is amazing for me,” Clement told Virtus.

With an exhilarating start to the 2025 Virtus World Nordic Skiing Championships, the competition promises more high-energy races and inspiring moments. As athletes continue to push their limits, all eyes remain on Bessans for what is set to be an unforgettable championship.

For full results, visit the competition website.

The 2025 Virtus Nordic Skiing Championships Declared Open In Bessans, France

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The 2025 Virtus Nordic Skiing Championships was declared open in the city of Bessans, France, yesterday. Athletes from six countries, Estonia, France, Italy, Japan, Neutral banner (Russia) and Sweden marched proudly during the opening ceremony whilst waving their flags. The athletes enjoyed local folk dance and music at the ceremony.

Some of the notable people who attended the opening ceremony were Jérémy Tracq, Town Mayor of Bessans, Virtus and FFSA president, Marc Truffaut, Cristian Grange, Vice-President of the Department of Savoie in charge of sports, Sandrine Chaix, Vice-Présidente de la Région Auvergne- Rhône-Alpesdéléguée au handicap and Pascal Andrieux and Valerie Chatelin from FFSA’s primary sponsors Malakoff Humanis attended the opening ceremony alongside all the international delegations and athletes.

(L-R) Barry Holman-Virus Secretary, Yossi Romano-Virus board member, Robyn Smith OAM-Virtus board member and IPC Governing board member at large, Sandrine Chaix-Vice-Présidente de la Région Auvergne- Rhône-Alpesdéléguée au handicap, Pascal Andrieux-Malakoff Humanis, Marc truffaut-Virtus and FFSA President, Valerie Chatelin-Malakoff Humanis and Ian Conyers-Virtus governing board member at the opening ceremony of Bessans 2025. Photo Credit: Geoffrey Wahlen

Welcoming the athletes to the city of Bessans, Jérémy Tracq, Town Mayor of Bessans, said,

“Renowned for its guaranteed early snowfall, Bessans was once again the first resort in France to open its ski area, in November 2024. As a result, Bessans regularly plays host to the best Nordic athletes, both for their preparation and for national and international events. Everyone involved, especially the volunteers, is very committed to inclusion and to all the initiatives that promote access to sport for as many people as possible. I hope you all have a great competition here.”

Cristian Grange, Vice-President of the Department of Savoie in charge of sports, shared his hopes to see fully integrated games with athletes with an intellectual impairment included in the French Alps 2030.

“In 2030, the French Alps will host the biggest sporting event on the planet: the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. This will be an exceptional opportunity to promote our mountains and all their riches in the eyes of the whole world. I sincerely hope that these World Championships will serve as a springboard to see the French Federation of Adapted Sport recognised as it should be, and that your skiers are fully integrated into the 2030 Paralympic Games.”

Local band perfoming at the opening ceremony of the 2025 World Nordic Skiing Championship at Bessans. Photo Credit: Geoffrey Wahlen

Addressing Virtus’s ongoing efforts to push for the re-inclusion of skiing at the Winter Paralympic Games, Marc Truffaut said,

“Virtus has been liaising with FIS, IPC and other stakeholders to push for the re-inclusion of skiing events at the Winter Paralympic Games. To further support the efforts, Virtus is launching the ‘Winter Paralymic Re-Inclusion’ campaign. We want to invite everyone from athletes to NPCs, to the fans and advocates, to support our efforts to create a fair and inclusive sporting world for athletes with an intellectual impairment.”

Sandrine Chaix also shared her vision of seeing athletes with intellectual impairment at the Winter Paralympic Games.

“This world championship, hosted in France, is an exceptional opportunity to change the way people look at your disabilities, to better know and recognize adapted sport on a national and international level with the relay of all the participating countries, which I warmly welcome. 

“This championship is of particular importance because it allows us to show the international and Paralympic sports bodies your capabilities, strength and resilience and why you should have your place at the next Paralympic Games.”

The event will run until the 15th of March at the Le Carreley sports complex within Bessans resort that is located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region and the Savoie department (73). Athletes will be competing across various events under all the three competition classes – II1, II2 and II3.

More information is available on the competition website.

The 2025 Virtus World Athletics Championships Are Coming To Brisbane, Australia

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The 2025 Virtus Athletics World Championships are set to take place in Brisbane, Australia, from 8–15 October 2025, marking a milestone event for elite athletes with an intellectual impairment. This international competition will bring together top athletes from around the world, providing them with an opportunity to showcase their talent, determination and excellence on a global stage. The event will attract veteran athletes, Paralympians and foster the development of emerging athletes who may have the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities in the youth competition. Virtus member in Australia, Sport Inclusion Australia will be organising the event.

Brisbane, the vibrant capital of Queensland, is the perfect host city for the Championships. Known for its warm climate, stunning riverfront, and welcoming atmosphere, Brisbane offers a unique mix of modern infrastructure and natural beauty, with lush parks and bustling cultural precincts. As a hub for major sporting events, outdoor adventures, and arts festivals, Brisbane provides an ideal backdrop for an unforgettable sporting experience. With a strong focus on sustainability and innovation, the city continues to grow as a global leader while maintaining its relaxed and friendly charm.

Sport Inclusion Australia has extensive experience in hosting multiple Virtus events since 2004, showcasing their ability to deliver world-class competitions, including the 2019 Virtus Global Games in Brisbane, featuring multiple sporting organisations and international federations, followed by the 2022 inaugural Virtus Oceania Asia Games. In 2024 and 2025, they continue their legacy with the Virtus Cycling World Series, reinforcing their commitment to excellence in inclusive sports. This wealth of experience ensures that the 2025 Virtus World Athletics Championships will be delivered with the highest level of professionalism and excellence.

Helen Croxford, President of Sport Inclusion Australia, said the team are delighted to be hosting the 2025 Virtus World Athletics Championship in Brisbane.

“Twenty years ago, we hosted the 2005 World Athletics Championships in the city of Canberra and the legacy of developing sport and sport pathways for athletes with an intellectual impairment has continued to grow stronger with every event. Brisbane will be familiar to many athletes following the successful Global Games in 2019 and Oceania Asia Games in 2022, and we look forward to welcoming new and returning athletes to Brisbane, which is also the host city of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. We hope that a full athletics program for track, field and youth events across all three eligibility groups will attract athletes from all Virtus member nations, and for the Oceania region, we hope to introduce Virtus events to our Pacific Island nations through this event,” Croxford said.

Sport Inclusion Australia has placed an athlete-first approach, excellence and community engagement at the heart of the event planning. Their vision is to deliver a uniquely memorable and exciting celebration of sport and culture that focuses on ability while also fostering growth in developing countries. The event will inspire achievement, promote harmony and create a sense of unity in alignment with the Virtus movement’s mission.

The 2025 Virtus World Athletics Championships will leave a profound and lasting legacy. It will provide athletes with a world-class platform to showcase their talents, inspire young people with disabilities to pursue their sporting dreams and educate communities on the importance of inclusion.

Virtus calls on all its member nations to get their athletics teams ready for competition at the highest level.

For more information about the event, visit the event calendar page and keep following Virtus on socials.

VIBF Zone Representatives (voluntary – multiple positions)

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The Virtus International Basketball Federation (VIBF) is the new global governing body for basketball for players with an intellectual impairment.  With a mission to drive the development of elite basketball worldwide for players with an intellectual impairment, the VIBF organises multiple international world championships, sets standards for Basketball players and advocates for the sport’s inclusion in the Paralympic Games by 2032.  Virtus, the owner of the VIBF, has a base of over 90 national member organisations from every continent.

The inaugural Zone Representatives on VIBF will be appointed in early 2025 and work with other Executive Committee members on the development and recognition of VIBF by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and Fédération Internationale de Basketball (FIBA), lead the strategy setting that will grow basketball world-wide for high performance players with intellectual impairments and ensure key targets related to 3×3 basketball and women’s basketball are met.  Further, the VIBF Zone Representatives will be the voice for this exciting new organisation and movement within Virtus Zones.

Download the full information pack

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Virtus forms VIBF, igniting a new era for basketball for players with an intellectual impairment

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Virtus, the international sports federation for athletes with an intellectual impairment, proudly announces the formation of the Virtus International Basketball Federation (VIBF), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting basketball for athletes with an intellectual impairment.

With a strong focus on inclusion, VIBF will provide structured competition opportunities, ensuring both men and women can compete at the highest level. As the popularity of 3×3 basketball continues to rise globally, VIBF aims to drive participation, create pathways for elite competition, and foster a dynamic, inclusive basketball community.

“We are thrilled to introduce the Virtus International Basketball Federation (VIBF), marking a major step in expanding basketball for athletes with an intellectual impairment. This launch strengthens our position in the para sport landscape and furthers our commitment to growing the sport worldwide,” said Marc Truffaut, President of Virtus.

Sharing the excitement with the VIBF’s formation, Virtus Basketball Sport Director, Tony Guihot said,

“For too long, basketball players with intellectual impairment have fought for recognition, their talents overshadowed and their dreams put on hold.  The creation of the Virtus International Basketball Federation is not just a response to that struggle, it is a bold statement that their passion, skill, and dedication deserve to shine bright on the global stage.  This is more than just an organisation;  it is a movement, a beacon of hope.  The future of basketball for players with intellectual impairment is now brighter, fairer, and more inspiring than ever.”

This new federation will spearhead the growth and development of basketball for athletes with an intellectual impairment. Direct management and responsibility for Virtus basketball will, over the coming weeks, pass from Virtus to the VIBF.

Key Objectives of VIBF:

  • Champion the inclusion and recognition of athletes with an intellectual impairment in global basketball competitions.
  • Provide men and women with equal opportunities to compete and showcase their talents.
  • Expand the reach of 3×3 basketball, fostering a fast-paced, exciting, and widely accessible version of the sport.
  • Create a dynamic and inclusive global basketball community that drives positive change and inspires athletes worldwide.

The first official VIBF competition is set for 2025 VIBF is proud to announce its inaugural 3×3 basketball competition, which will take place during the 2025 Virtus World Basketball Championships in Kazakhstan this June. This landmark event will bring together athletes, teams, and supporters from around the world to celebrate the spirit of competition, inclusion, and sportsmanship.

Virtus invites basketball federations, teams, and athletes to join VIBF and be part of this groundbreaking movement.

More details about the VIBF will follow in the coming weeks.

Virtus Ambassador, Neel Yadav Shines At The Inclusive Asian Road Cycling Championship

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The thirteenth edition of the Inclusive Asian Road Cycling Championship took place in Phitsanulok-Phichit, Thailand, from February 7-16, 2025, marking a groundbreaking moment for para cycling in Asia. Athletes from across the continent competed in various events, with the championship setting a new benchmark for inclusivity in the sport.

One of the standout moments of the event was Virtus Ambassador Neel Yadav, who was the solo flagbearer for athletes with an intellectual impairment to compete in this championship. Neel competed in the Individual Time Trial, showcasing incredible dedication and talent.

Neel Yadav with John Pearce, Virtus Sport and Competition Manager and Aaron Benjamin, Head of Delegation from India and Virtus governing board member (left photo) before his race, and Neel Yadav with Aaron Benjamin on the podium after the race (right photo). Photo Credit: Sivus India

After his race, Neel expressed his joy and pride in his performance,

“I am very happy with my performance. I have trained very hard for this competition, and I am pleased with the results.”

 Praising Neel’s efforts, Aaron Benjamin, Head of the Indian delegation and Virtus governing board member, said,

“The journey has begun! Neel Yadav has started the race for more cyclists with an intellectual impairment to join him to the finish. An opportunity to prove Sports is beyond impairment!”

The competition not only provided a platform for elite competition but also created new opportunities for athletes with intellectual impairments to gain exposure.

Speaking about the impact of this milestone event, Virtus Sport and Competition manager John Pearce shared:

“The competition was very well organised, and it was a pleasure to witness the commitment to inclusion firsthand in Thailand. It was a wonderful opportunity for our athletes to gain exposure, make new connections, and further develop competition for athletes with an intellectual impairment. We look forward to working closely with the Asian Cycling Confederation and other organisations to integrate the inclusion of II athletes within the  existing competition frameworks.”

Virtus extends a huge thank you to the Asian Cycling Confederation for taking a significant step toward inclusion in competitive cycling.

As the first inclusive cycling championship in Asia, this event has paved the way for greater opportunities for para cyclists, including those with intellectual impairments. Virtus is excited to see more initiatives like this across the world in various sports, ensuring all athletes have a chance to compete at the highest level.

Stay tuned for more updates on Virtus initiatives and future events!

Winchester to Host Inaugural Virtus World Para-Dressage Championships This Year

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Virtus is excited to announce that the very first World Para-Dressage Championship is coming to Winchester, Great Britain, later this year. Building on the success of its debut at the Global Games in 2023 and the open regional championship, this landmark event is set to raise the bar for para-dressage excellence. The event will commence from July 23rd until July 25th at Sparsholt College Equestrian Centre, Winchester, UK.

The championship, hosted by Virtus in collaboration with Sparsholt College Equestrian Centre, will feature II1, II2, and II3 competition categories. With a reputation as one of the UK’s top equestrian venues, Sparsholt College offers Olympic-standard indoor and outdoor arenas and stabling for up to 66 horses, ensuring a world-class experience for both athletes and spectators.

Multiple-time World Champion in II2 competition class, Alejandro Espejo Lanzas at the 2023 Virtus Global Games. Photo Credit: Detrez

Supporting this groundbreaking event, Uta Rindfleisch, Virtus Sports Director, encourages riders with an intellectual impairment to compete at this event.

“The Virtus Equestrian Committee is committed to expanding live competition opportunities leading up to the Global Games 2027 in Cairo, Egypt. Alongside our established video competitions, we had our first Open Regional Games last year which was a grand success. These events demonstrate our dedication to developing para-dressage on a global scale. We are delighted to partner with Sparsholt College for the second consecutive time as the host venue.

For more details, visit the Virtus events page and download the official entry pack here.

Join us as we celebrate the incredible talent within the para-dressage community and mark a historic moment in Virtus equestrian sport!