That’s it, they’ve arrived! The athletes from Savoie and Haute-Savoie set foot in Beijing, in an environment marked by the strict anti-covid health protocol. A health bubble has been put in place for all Chinese athletes and staff. Not easy, therefore, to evolve in these conditions.
“We are safer. It’s pleasant day by day” – Alexis Pinturault
“We still feel like the Olympics”says Alexis Pinturault, one of the best chances of French medals in alpine skiing “What is still special is to see the volunteers masked from head to toe, and to the tips of their nails.”
It’s rather reassuring for the skier, who feels he is in good condition to perform. “We feel comfortable. We are safer. It’s nice on a day-to-day basis to feel a bit more detached, instead of knowing if our test is going to be positive or negative.”
300 snow cannons
For these Olympics, there is a health bubble, and also 100% artificial snow. A first for the Winter Games. Beijing will depend on 300 snow cannons at its two Olympic venues. This is also a first for the athletes.
“We’re going to have a few surprises, it’s a bit of a draw, we’re not used to skiing on this snow”, believes Blaise Giezendanner, alpine skier licensed in Chamonix. Everyone will have a chance and according to him, this is good news. “I am pleasantly surprised by these facilities. The Chinese have gone all out, and it shows. I find it very good”, he adds.
The alpine skiing events will start this Sunday, February 6. Kick-off for the men’s downhill at 4 a.m. French time, unless postponed due to weather conditions.