Despite all his successes last year, which was his best season of his career, long track speed skater Laurent Dubreuil is still just as hungry on the eve of the first World Cup.
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Silver medalist in the 1000m at the Beijing Olympics, World Cup champion in the 500m and author of ten podiums in 12 races in his favorite event, Dubreuil always wants more.
“I am in competition with myself in order to push my limits and those of my sport, declared Dubreuil before flying to Norway, where the first World Cup of the season will take place in Stavanger from Friday. I want to be the best. »
If he flew over the competition in the 500m last year, Dubreuil does not let himself be lulled. “I don’t take anything for granted,” he said. I want to win as many medals as possible because I don’t know when it’s going to stop. Of course, the first medal I won in November 2014 is more special than the 15th, but my competitive spirit pushes me to want to win more. »
If he is aware that the podiums will fade at some point, Dubreuil is convinced that it will not be for the next few years. “I feel like I haven’t reached my full potential,” he said. I still have room to improve over the next two or three years. Despite my successes, I know that it can be even better this year. I feel my best and my back is doing great. »
Beneficial change
Unlike last year, when there were two 500m events at each World Cup, the skaters will only do one sprint this year. Disappointing at first sight, this change will also have a favorable aspect for Dubreuil who will present himself fresher at the starting line for the 1000 m.
“It was not advantageous last year with a 70-minute break between the second 500m and the 1000m,” he said. I will never have two races on the same day. I will always be mentally ready for the 1000m, and that can only help me. Because of these changes, it’s all the more important that I’m good at the 1000m. »
“I trained a lot this summer based on the 1000m and I believe in my chances of winning medals regularly, to pursue Dubreuil whose only medal in the 1000m last year was at the Olympics.
“Even though the Dutch skaters have beaten me often in the past, I think I can aspire to victory. »
Heartbreaks
Feverish about starting a new season on the World Cup circuit, the Lévis skater fears the long absence from home where he will be separated from his daughter Rose, his son Nathan and his wife.
“As an athlete, I am happy to leave and feverish in anticipation of the first World Cup, otherwise it would mean that my passion is no longer the same, but I am also torn that my passion forces me to leave the people I love. love the most in the world, he expressed. It’s difficult. »
“What saddens me the most is to leave Rose, who was bored last year, to pursue Dubreuil. I predict it will be more difficult this time when she is three years old. At one month, Nathan won’t realize I’m gone, and we’re used to it, me and my wife, […] we manage the situation well even if we are bored. »
Dubreuil consoles himself with the idea that there will be fewer trips this year. “There are three trips less because the competitions will take place in Quebec,” he explained.
BAPTISM OF FIRE FOR LALIBERTÉ-ROY
Rose Laliberté-Roy will experience her World Cup baptism this weekend.
In her first year with the Next Gen team, the 23-year-old sprinter will start her first international competition.
“I’ve never stood out in the junior ranks, but I’ve had tremendous progress over the past two years,” she said. I had achieved my first goal by making the national team and I didn’t necessarily expect to qualify for the World Cup this year. »
In its place
Despite his rookie status, Laliberté-Roy feels in his place. “I’m quite feverish, but things have been going really well since we arrived in Europe. I am well surrounded and I feel ready. It’s more exciting than stressful. I’m here to gain experience and see where I stand against international caliber. I want to get the best races possible without thinking about rank and time. »
If he has a World Cup behind the tie, Cédrick Brunet is also looking for experience.
“It’s my baptism of fire in Europe,” said the native of Gatineau, who participated in the World Cup in Calgary last December. I had been waiting for this moment for a year. »
“My experience in Calgary can help, but I come here with the mindset that I’m still here to learn,” continued Brunet. I’m still a rookie. In my head, I don’t think about the results at all. I’m here to learn from the best and the outcome doesn’t matter. I focus on myself. »
Last year at the trials in Calgary, Brunet caused quite a stir by finishing third in the 500m. Because he had not achieved the standard of 34 s 90, the 22-year-old skater had not been selected for the World Cup.
“Two years ago, I would not have believed that I would be at the World Cup this year. There are plenty of people who would like to be in my skates and I am lucky to have this experience. »
Long-awaited return for Fiola and Lamarche
Unable to qualify for the World Cup last season, Christopher Fiola and Béatrice Lamarche are back with the best skaters in the world this year.
Fiola and Lamarche secured their place in mid-October during the selections at the Center de glaces. During the same exercise held in Calgary in October 2021, the two skaters were unable to qualify.
“I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time, summed up Fiola, whose last World Cup dates back to 2019. The moment is right because I’m in good shape and ready to perform. I’m a different skater from my last World Cup and I’m confident I can do well. »
Despite the obstacles that stood in his way, the 500m specialist never gave up.
“I never stopped believing that I would return to the World Cup. I have progressed and I am better than before. There was no reason for me not to be back. This year two 500m guys retired and the door was open more than ever. »
If Lamarche had taken her poor performance well in Calgary in the fall of 2021, she had however had more difficulty accepting the cancellation of the Olympic Trials during the holiday period due to COVID-19.
“I’m able to recover quickly from my failures and training from October to December went well,” she said. However, the cancellation of the Olympic Trials was very hard to accept. My motivation was at its lowest. I don’t think I told myself that I wanted to quit. Anyway, I didn’t want to end on a disappointing note like that. »
Photo archives, Stevens Leblanc
Christopher Fiola at the National Speed Skating Championships in October, in Quebec.
Train with Maltese
The arrival of Valérie Maltais at the Ice Center and a new training program have brought new life to Lamarche, who specializes in the 1000m and 1500m, but who will also be starting in the 500m.
“I haven’t often had the chance to train with a girl of her caliber and her presence helped me get the machine going again,” she explained. My new training program which involves greater volume leads me to believe that I will be able to reach my full potential eventually. »
Unlock
Achieving the international standard required by Speed Skating Canada (SSC) has had its share of challenges for Fiola.
“I can now focus on skating as fast as possible without having to think about my selection,” he said. It takes the pressure off. After posting a time of 34.80 at the Canada Cup presented in Calgary in March, a few days later I achieved my personal best of 34.44. The standard was no longer an issue and there was a release . »
“In Quebec during the tryouts, I didn’t get the desired time, but I know I can do better,” added Fiola. It’s an important year at the start of the Olympic cycle and I want to take an important place in anticipation of the 2026 Games. My objective is to make Group A [20 meilleurs patineurs] all year. »
Christopher Fiola will also take part in the 1000m of the first two stages of the World Cup.