SPORTSMAGAZINE_Courchevel_2022-GLOBAL-Web

ATHLÈTES
How was skiing the Eclipse at the World Cup finals in
March 2022?
I hadn’t skied the slope before this event, and I won’t have
the chance to do it again before the World Championships.
In March, the downhill skiers had the opportunity to ski
the Eclipse a bit more, but I was in Kranjska-Gora for the last World
Cup races, then Méribel. So I won’t have the home advantage. If the
races were in the stadium, it would be a different story.
What do you think of the slope’s potential?
The Eclipse has the potential to become the best downhill slope on
the World Cup circuit. I really like the steep section at the top. It has
curves and jumps which make it very technical. Both the slalom and
the giant will be very competitive.
What kind of future do you see for the Eclipse?
Personally, I’d like Courchevel to host a downhill and a slalom event
every year. We can even host evening races in the stadium. There
are some great downhill slopes in the World Cup, but nowhere near
the quality of Bormio, Kitzbühel or Beaver-Creek. The Eclipse is
on a par with these slopes, so the Eclipse and the slalom stadium
should be used for World Cup races every year.
When you’re not competing, which are your favourite slopes?
Courchevel is part of the world’s largest ski area, so I have loads!
Les Marmottes at the end of the winter is my favourite. In April, it’s
always well-groomed and the sun gives it this sheen that makes it
look like powder. It’s amazing when you make the first tracks.
How has competing at the World Championships at home in
Courchevel altered your preparations?
It hasn’t affected my training or how I’m tackling the start of the
World Cup season, but I cannot deny how important this event is. My
training has changed because my needs have changed, rather than
because the World Championships are being held in Courchevel.
Why have you changed your training team?
Fabien Munier, who was my primary coach, decided to take a step
back. It’s a very time-consuming role, so it’s not compatible with
family life, especially with three young children. I’m delighted
Stéphane Quittet agreed to take his place. I have a lot of respect for
him, he’s already coached me and has been a team leader before.
We get on well and he can teach me a lot.
How was the first edition of the Winter Legacy in April 2022?
It was a great first edition, despite the weather. The second edition
is on 8 th April 2023. The format will be the same, with a series
of different disciplines, but we’ve changed a few things. It’s an
opportunity for the members of the French team to celebrate the
end of the season.
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