TREMBLANT | The most successful skier in World Cup history and reigning world champion in giant slalom, American Mikaela Shiffrin met the media this afternoon during a brief press briefing a few hours before the first appearance from Cirque blanc to Tremblant in 40 years.
• Read also: After surgery on one shoulder last winter, Sarah Bennett is gradually regaining confidence
• Read also: Tremblant Alpine Ski World Cup: surprise invitations for both Justines
In a very good mood, Shiffrin said she was very happy to discover a new destination on the World Cup circuit. “It’s wonderful to be here for the first time and it’s a very significant event to have back-to-back World Cup stops in North America this year after Killington last weekend,” he said. she mentioned. It’s a very pretty place and it’s exciting to discover a new destination. All the girls are excited and it creates a new atmosphere on the circuit. With all the traveling we have to do in a season, it’s also great that we’re within walking distance of everything.”
During her first visit to Tremblant, however, Shiffrin came to Quebec during her high school studies. “At the time I was studying and training at Burke Mountain Academy in Vermont, we held a training camp at Mont-Sainte-Anne,” said the 28-year-old skier from Vail, Colorado, who is in search of a 6th career Crystal Globe, which would allow him to equal the record. The two places are not very far, but it’s different here.”
With 90 World Cup victories, three Olympic medals, including two gold, and seven world titles, how can Shiffrin measure future success? asked a colleague. “Far beyond the victories, the progression and development of my full potential are much more important.”
The podium is accessible for Valérie Grenier
Building on her first career victory last January in Slovenia and a second podium to end the last season in Andorra, Valérie Grenier is currently experiencing the best moments of her career as she prepares to compete in her first World Cup in Quebec.
Grenier continued its momentum this year by signing 7e and 5e positions in Levi, Finland and Killington, Vermont. In her last nine races, she has slipped into the top 10 eight times.
“I don’t want to put pressure on her shoulders, but Valérie can hope to get on the podium,” said double world champion Erik Guay, who was present in Vermont for Grenier’s last outing. Valérie is skiing better and better and she finished in 5e place in Killington even if she made two mistakes.”
If she refuses to put too much pressure on herself by setting too specific objectives, Grenier wants to shine in her two stages of the World Cup played at home.
“At Tremblant, these are the races that I am most looking forward to and I really want to do well,” she summarized. It would be even more incredible if I got good results at Tremblant in front of my family. I want to do well, but I have the right approach. I know my family will be as supportive of me no matter my results. I’ve competed in the World Cup in Lake Louise several times, but it’s very different here. I’m at home.”
This return to Quebec of Cirque blanc after an absence of 28 years and this first presence at Tremblant in 40 years is an incredible opportunity according to the skier native of Saint-Isidore in Eastern Ontario.
“It’s an incredible opportunity to put alpine skiing on the map in Quebec, she imagined. It brings a lot of attention and it’s a big plus for the young people from the clubs who will come to see us. When I was younger, I would have loved to attend a World Cup in Quebec.”
No worries for the track
The skiers did not descend the Flying Mill on Friday, but the event director assures that there is nothing to worry about. “We simply wanted to protect the track so that it was in optimal condition for the race,” said Nicholas Cogger. It is very common that there is no free descent before the races. We are expecting a cooling effect tonight and that will help, but we could have held the race on Friday.”