At 20 years old, Norman Antoine Nivault is preparing to experience a rare turning point: in September 2026, this young baker trained in Le Mans will represent France in baking at the WorldSkills 2026 in Shanghai, often described as a real Olympic Games for professions. An adventure from far away.
Born in Alençon, he grew up between Normandy and Pays de la Loire before discovering the profession during a 9th grade internship. Little seduced by the general sector, he decides very quickly: , he confides to France 3 Pays de la Loire. This choice of orientation becomes the basis of everything.
From CAP to WorldSkills 2026 for Antoine Nivault
CAP, BP then master’s degree in bakery at Le Mans followed one another. Along the way, his trainer Adrien Bazoge detects his potential and suggests that he try the WorldSkills selections, while Antoine Nivault considers himself even less advanced than his comrades.
Training is increasing at the training center: six-hour mock exams, sets of baguettes and pastries, meticulous work on organization. Little by little, Antoine gains confidence; his trainers describe him as tireless, always ready to start again until he obtains the desired result.
WorldSkills selections in Shanghai
In 2024, he launched into the WorldSkills selections: departmental qualification, then first place in the regional, before the national victory in Marseille in October 2025. At the age of 20, he won the title of French baking champion and his ticket to Shanghai.
He will be the only Frenchman in the bakery in the middle of a delegation of 38 French competitors, supervised by physical trainers and coaches. The perspective is a little overwhelming: , admits Antoine Nivault to Franceinfo.
High-level preparation in bakery
To prepare for this world final, Antoine put his job on hold. Based in Le Mans, he already trains from Monday to Friday and plans to move to seven days a week as soon as the subject of the test is known, surrounded by physical and mental trainers.
Passionate about pastries, he refines croissants, pain au chocolat and baguettes to the nearest gram, playing with fermentation, shaping and cooking like clock settings. He observes the Asian teams, which he knows are very strong, but always comes back to the same idea. , sums up the young baker, determined to make French tradition shine in Shanghai.
Who is Antoine Nivault?
Antoine Nivault is a 20-year-old baker from Normandy, trained in Le Mans, French WorldSkills 2025 champion and selected to represent France in Shanghai in 2026.
What are WorldSkills 2026?
The WorldSkills is a world skills championship reserved for under 24s; the 2026 edition will take place in September in Shanghai.
How does Antoine Nivault prepare?
Based in Le Mans, he stopped working to train almost full time, five days a week for the moment, supervised by technical coaches and physical trainers.
