For his last, Manificat ranked 47th in the 50 km classic style, one of the most prestigious events on the world circuit, won in 2 h 06 min 50 sec by the five-time Norwegian Olympic champion Johannes Klaebo in front of four of his compatriots.
The Haut-Savoyard announced mid-week that he was ending his career which began in the World Cup in 2006. His list of achievements includes four Olympic medals, all in bronze, in 2014 (4×10 km relay), 2018 (relay 4×10 km and team sprint) and 2022 (4×10 km relay).
The one who succeeded Vincent Vittoz in the role of leader of the Blues, was vice-world champion in the 15 km freestyle in 2015 in Falun (Sweden) and won ten World Cup victories, the last in 2019.
“Momo” finished in 5th place in the overall World Cup rankings in 2010 and 2016. He was still 6th in the world in 2021, but his last three seasons were disrupted by physical problems and poor form which relegated him this winter in the France B team and deprived of a good part of the World Cup.
Manificat is not, however, going to hang up his skis: he will concentrate on long-distance events and other marathons.