DE FABIANI ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

Francesco De Fabiani - Dobbiaco - 2025/2026 • ©Modica/Nordic Focus

At the age of 33, Francesco De Fabiani brings his competitive career to a close.

One of the most talented Italian cross-country skiers of his generation, he leaves the sport after achieving 16 World Cup podiums, a World Cup victory at just 21 years old, two World Championship medals, and appearances at three Olympic Games.

Gressoney Saint-Jean, Italy – Jun. 15th 2026 • Francesco De Fabiani's career as a World Cup cross-country skier has come to an end.

The announcement comes directly from De Fabiani himself, with a mixture of nostalgia and emotion: «The last few years have been very difficult. Sooner or later, this moment had to come. And now it is time to announce my retirement. Of course, I would have preferred to finish my career with a great result on the snow, but that wasn't the case. I kept pushing, and over the past few months I tried once more to train and prepare myself, but the flame of motivation has gone out».

Looking back, however, De Fabiani reflects positively on his career: «When I look back, I see so many great moments, from my victory in Lahti in 2015 to my attack on Klæbo and Bolshunov on the final climb of the iconic Val di Fiemme course, as well as my second place in Cogne in 2019 and several podium finishes that brought me enormous satisfaction».

The decision has not been made lightly: «It has been a carefully considered decision. In Goms, when I realized that I would no longer be able to fully pursue my goal of competing at Milano Cortina 2026, something inside me finally switched off».

Long COVID, contracted in 2023, played a significant role: «Since that cursed year in 2023, the after-effects have never really left me and prevented me from returning to my previous level».

De Fabiani is unequivocal: «This decision is drastic and, in many ways, necessary. I couldn't continue like this. I've had a fulfilling career, met incredible people, experienced unforgettable moments, but now it is time to turn the page».

No farewell would be complete without words of gratitude: «I would like to thank the Centro Sportivo Esercito, which allowed me to live my dream; as well as the Italian Winter Sports Federation (FISI), all of my coaches, from my earliest years through to the present day; the ski technicians; and my teammates, who stood beside me for so many years around the world, from my days at the ski club and ASIVA to the Italian National Team. These have been fantastic years, and they have flown by. In what feels like a moment, I went from being the youngest member of the team to one of the veterans. I also want to thank all the sponsors who supported me throughout my career, as well as my equipment suppliers for skis, poles and eyewear, who stood by me for many years. A special mention goes to the Autonomous Region of Aosta Valley, which I had the honour of representing around the world».

With his voice breaking with emotion, "Defast" then addressed a heartfelt message to his supporters: «Yes, a huge thank you goes to all my fans, from those in Aosta Valley—especially those from Gressoney who followed me everywhere—to supporters throughout Italy and around the world. I have been fortunate to have fans who may have been geographically distant but always close in spirit. I would like to send a special embrace to everyone who, over the years, braved winter weather, storms and long journeys to support me, even in the most remote locations. Finally, I want to express my deepest gratitude to my family: my parents, my sister Susanna and my partner Francesca».

With his victory in Lahti in 2015, achieved at only 21 years of age, Francesco De Fabiani became one of the defining figures of Italian cross-country skiing over the past decade. Together with his teammates, he helped re-establish Italy among the leading nations on the international stage.

Over the course of his career, De Fabiani competed in 233 World Cup races, securing 16 podium finishes—10 individual and 6 team podiums—including three victories: an individual win in the 15 km Classic in Lahti in 2015, a Team Sprint victory with Federico Pellegrino in Ulricehamn in 2021, and a relay victory in Dobbiaco in 2023.

He also competed in 17 World Championship events, highlighted by the bronze medal in the Team Sprint at Seefeld 2019 and the silver medal in the same event at Planica 2023, both alongside Federico Pellegrino.

His Olympic career included 11 races across three editions of the Winter Games, beginning with the Skiathlon at Sochi 2014, where he finished 21st.

During the 2018/19 season, De Fabiani achieved a career-best 7th place in the overall World Cup standings and 6th place in the Distance standings, representing the highest level of consistency and overall performance of his career.

Plans are still being finalized for De Fabiani’s farewell celebration, which is expected to take place in September. The event will provide an opportunity to reunite with and thank the many partners, supporters, and friends he has met throughout more than twenty-five years in competitive skiing. «I would love to relive the most memorable moments of my career together and thank all the people who have been part of this incredible journey. If I can look back with pride today, it is also because of them. THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART».