| TIGNES, FRANCE: At just 20 years old, Red Bull athlete Flavio Vitale is establishing himself as one of the most promising young names in alpine skiing. A Junior World Champion with a growing presence on the World Cup circuit, Vitale is equally known for pursuing high-level academic studies alongside his athletic career, a rare dual pathway at the top of the sport. In this interview, he reflects on his journey, discipline, setbacks, mentors, and the commitment required to chase excellence on and off the slopes. Early Career and the Apex 2100 Path The Red Bulletin: Flavio, you’re joining the ranks of international high-level ski figures like Alexis Pinturault and Clément Noël. When did your pro career begin? Flavio Vitale: As a pro, it started not that long ago. I’ve only been on the World Cup circuit and part of the French Team for two years. I started during my FIS years with the Apex 2100 program, which is an international structure aimed at reaching the highest level both academically and athletically. Thanks to this academy, I had the opportunity to study in England, at St Edward’s School in Oxford, for three years. I pursued a dual project between the international baccalaureate at Apex and my main goal, which is the World Cup, to reach the highest level in alpine skiing. Thanks to this academy, where I stayed for six years, I managed to do both. And two years ago, I joined the French team thanks to my results. This year, in 2025, I became Junior World Champion and achieved my first top fifteen in the World Cup. Little by little, I’m reaching my goals. The Red Bulletin: How was this received by your family? Flavio Vitale: It was complicated, for sure, because it’s not a decision you make lightly. It changed my life, for the better. We talked about it a lot, but I knew what I wanted, my goals were very clear. My parents knew that’s where I wanted to go, that it would take courage, and that it wouldn’t be easy. I remember, I cried almost every night because we weren’t allowed to call our parents during the first three weeks. When I finally got my parents on the phone, they asked me, “Do you want us to come get you?” But I said no, because even at that age, I was determined to reach my goals, and I knew it was the most complete path. The Red Bulletin: Are you still part of Apex 2100? Flavio Vitale: No, but I’ve kept in touch with them. I’m part of the family. I’m allowed to go train whenever I want or need to. It’s changed a lot since I arrived, but I think you can join Apex 2100 from the age of 10. They offer a three-year program that’s the equivalent of the French “brevet,” but at an international level. Then after that, they offer three more years, either for the international baccalaureate or through CNED. In general, people stay there for about three years; for me, I did it in six. Balancing Studies and Sport The Red Bulletin: How did you manage to find a balance between school and your sports career? Flavio Vitale: When you’re young, it’s skiing in the morning, classes in the afternoon. But what was complicated for me was that I had to continue my education while moving up the ranks in alpine skiing. During my final year of high school, I was already competing in World Cups. So, I was almost never at school, but the teachers helped me a lot. In any case, it’s a balance you must find. Right now, I’m looking at English universities so I can set up another partnership and continue both high-level studies and high-level sports. It’s a challenge, but it’s important for me to maintain that balance. The Red Bulletin: What studies are you planning to pursue? Flavio Vitale: I am currently in discussions with Imperial College to enrol in a program in economics, finance, and data analysis. We’re having some organizational and visa issues because the United Kingdom is no longer part of Europe. But I am supported by the former England rugby coach, Clive Woodward. This project is very important to him, as he believes that an educated athlete is a better athlete. It’s even more important to support this path because many athletes don’t have the chance to study alongside their sports; we realize that injuries or the end of a career can happen very quickly. It’s essential to be fulfilled and to think about something else. I was the first to be in the World Cup and to continue my studies; I was always told it wasn’t possible, that it would never happen. Of course, for now, I haven’t reached the top of the world, but I already have a little track record that has allowed me to show that I can still study, enjoy skiing, and achieve my sporting goals. Training, Equipment, and Setbacks The Red Bulletin: Speaking of training, you’ve just returned from a training camp in Argentina with the French Team. How did it go? Flavio Vitale: This year, despite spring-like conditions with a bit more variation than last year, when the winter conditions were ideal, we were still able to have a comprehensive training camp and always managed to make something of it. I think we had about twenty effective days. It allowed me to make progress with my equipment: I was able to determine what kind of skis and boots suit me best because it was all very new to me last year, as I had changed equipment suppliers. And then, when you’re on the French Team, you have a much wider range of equipment. The Red Bulletin: Last March, you won your first junior world title. Was there a before and after? Flavio Vitale: I wouldn’t say that, but there was a before and after my injury in Adelboden, Switzerland, where I got a bruised heel. That took me out of training for a month, but I was able to spend two weeks at the APC to heal as quickly as possible. I then spent two weeks at Apex to gently get back on my skis. It gave me a second wind. I found my path again, who I was, and enjoyed skiing again. Sometimes, there are signs of fate. Last year, I started too strong at my Ushuaia camp and at the start of the season in Solden. But you can’t put 100% of your energy into everything all the time. Because of youthful enthusiasm, it cost me dearly. I realized that a lot of things happen in your head. Support and Mentorship The Red Bulletin: How does Red Bull support you in your professional journey? Flavio Vitale: Red Bull supports me a lot through the APC. With Clément Noël, we’re used to going there in the summer to do physical tests. This year, it was incredibly rewarding. There was a big difference between the tests we did in June and those we did in August, with a nice progression. We managed to target the areas where we needed to improve. The APC provides real monitoring and precision thanks to the data, the machines, but also thanks to their expertise. It’s a real advantage for us. The Red Bulletin: As a young skier, do you learn from your elders? Flavio Vitale: Yes. The older ones help us especially in terms of performance, even if, of course, they don’t give us everything. There’s still some rivalry. The Red Bulletin: What is your relationship with Clément? Flavio Vitale: He’s a source of inspiration. He was incredible this season. That’s it. Plus, he’s a kind, humble person who also likes to joke around. He pushes all of us to be better, even though there’s a big difference in discipline. It’s giant slalom for me and slalom for him. The Red Bulletin: Has he given you any advice? Flavio Vitale: He sometimes gives a few tips about certain conditions, but I talk more with Alexis Pinturault, because we have the same equipment sponsor and we do pretty much the same discipline. We’re a bit similarly trained, whereas with Clément, it’s different. We manage our motivations differently, but we still talk a lot. I’ve already asked him questions about how he mentally handled big events. He shared his experience, which really helped me. It’s always a plus. Inspiration and Multisport Influence The Red Bulletin: I noticed that you follow other athletes on Instagram, like Lewis Hamilton or Stephen Curry. What other sports and athletes inspire you? Flavio Vitale: I played a lot of soccer when I was younger. I also played quite a bit of rugby when I was in England. I also did rowing, cricket, tennis. I really did a lot of sports. I love all sports. Right now, I’m more into golf, but I’ve also always been a big Formula 1 fan. I think there’s a great dynamic with Isack Hadjar. Formula 1 and skiing are two sports connected by racing and adrenaline. They’re both extreme sports where you go very fast, very close to objects. You also find the concepts of trajectory, speed, and searching for the ideal line. So yes, there are a lot of similarities between the two sports. The Red Bulletin: Which drivers inspire you? Flavio Vitale: I really like Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, and Max Verstappen too. At first, I didn’t necessarily like him, but I watched an episode about him on Canal+ that shows who he really is, and in the end, I appreciate his character. In another area, I also liked Kobe Bryant, for his mentality and what he brought. The Red Bulletin: Do you apply their codes to your way of skiing? Flavio Vitale: Of course. I try to learn from everyone, not necessarily just the best. I’m inspired by others, but I strive to find my own direction. Life and Balance Beyond Skiing The Red Bulletin: What’s the best way to clear your mind after a big competition or a long season? Flavio Vitale: After a competition, it’s a nice moment with my parents; and after a season, going back home to the South, going boating, and seeing my friends. The Red Bulletin: How do you manage your personal life when you’re a young professional athlete? Flavio Vitale: It’s complicated because I don’t spend time with people my age, so when I do, I feel out of sync. I still have my small group of friends who are always there and support me. I try to go on vacation with them at least once a year for a week. Even though it’s getting harder and harder, it’s really important. Key Facts Athlete: Flavio Vitale (France, 20) – Red Bull athlete Discipline: Giant Slalom Career Milestones: Junior World Champion 2025; first World Cup top 15 Development Path: Apex 2100 Academy; French National Team Academic Focus: Economics, finance, and data analysis Support Team: Red Bull APC, French Team technicians, senior athlete mentors Interview Source: The Red Bulletin Magazine Why It Matters Flavio Vitale represents a new generation of alpine skiing talent — driven, analytical, and committed to long-term excellence. His unique dual path, combining rigorous academics with elite skiing, offers a modern blueprint for sustainable high-performance careers. About Flavio Vitale Flavio Vitale is a French alpine skier specializing in giant slalom. A Junior World Champion with rising World Cup success, he is known for his discipline, precision, academic ambition, and strong connection to the Red Bull Athlete Performance Center. Keywords | 
