“Cyprien Sarrazin showed that it was possible”, relishes Nils Allegre after his first World Cup victory

At 30, the Frenchman scored his first World Cup victory, winning the Super-G on Saturday in Garmisch-Partenkirchen (Germany).

“I did not expect that“. He took everyone by surprise, him first. The Frenchman Nils Allegre, who won the Super-G in Garmisch-Partenkirchen (Germany), Saturday January 27, looked back on his major performance, a week after that by Cyprien Sarrazin in Kitzbühel. Author of a great season in speed including six top 10s including a fourth place, the 30-year-old skier had never been on a World Cup podium. A victory which is part of a great French momentum, driven by Cyprien Sarrazin’s three downhill successes this season.

Franceinfo: sport: How did you experience this first Marseillaise?

Nils Allegre: It was intense for me. I waited for the last competitor to pass to be sure that I won the race, because Val Gardena (December 14) I thought there was a chance of making my first podium and I finished fourth (in the downhill). It was a relief, more than happiness, because I saw myself circling the podium without ever succeeding in doing so, but now I attack with a victory.

What exactly does this victory represent?

It represents 20 years of work, a lot of self-sacrifice, disappointment, ordeals overcome, and happiness shared with the team too. It’s also a lot of support from my family, from my very close friends because in hard times, there’s just them. Today everything was aligned and I’m so happy.

It’s a victory which brings to fruition a season full of promise in speed with a 7th place in Wengen, a 6th in Super-G in Bormio… Did you expect it?

Since the start of the year I have had six top 10s and a 4th place. I didn’t expect it, no. Above all, I didn’t expect to win, I never really thought like that. I was thinking in the back of my mind: ‘You’re over 30 years old, over 100 starts and you still haven’t made a podium…’ I was the only one in the group not to have made a podium, apart from the youngest. I was thinking maybe it won’t happen. I was almost fatalistic about it and finally, I got through to the end today and in the most beautiful way.

We are seeing great results in French men’s skiing this season. What impact did Cyprien Sarrazin’s results have on the group?

It gave a big breath of fresh air I think. Before there was always Johan Clarey who was in front, and us who hung on behind. And there, Cyprien (Sarrazin) showed that it was possible. He uninhibited all that a little. It’s a breath of fresh air that also played a role in my victory today. I also have my 102 starts which have given me a lot of experience. It’s group work: the staff, the technician, the physiotherapists, everyone in the France group. When it works well you just have to enjoy it.