World Cup. A historic first, the Blues not rewarded… what can we remember from the Val Thorens stage?

Two tied winners, a historic first

In an unprecedented sprint format in Val Thorens due to strong gusts of wind, the spectacle was there with overtaking, falls and a men’s final during which it was impossible to decide between the finish line, the Swiss Alex Fiva and the Austrian Adam Kappacher. A first in the history of the discipline and a sign if ever there was one that the density among men has never been so high. Same observation for the ladies since in the absence of Sandra Naeslund, injured in the knee on Thursday, the suspense is total. And if the Canadians dominated with Marielle Thompson and India Sherret, the gaps are minimal.

Blues behind but…

There were no French podiums at home but everything is not to be thrown away. “We should not only look at the raw result”, deciphers Youri Duplessis Kergomard, 11^e Thursday then fifth, this Friday. And to continue: “There was a lot of stress and today, I was able to relax.” A relaxation which allowed, with a little luck in the semi-final, Terence Tchiknavorian to reach the final (4^e). The skier from Sauze quickly dispelled the disappointment of being just off the podium. With five boys in the top 16 of the second race, the results cannot be all bleak

On the girls’ side, Marielle Berger Sabbatel did not fully succeed her weekend with places of honor. But the Arcadine is not far away by skiing. Finally, and even if they “expect more”, the satisfaction came from the returning Jade Grillet-Aubert, still sore from her knee, from Anouck Errard fighting for her first four-man runs and from Mylène Ballet-Baz who thanks to her 6^e place Thursday should regain his place in the selection for Arosa.

Arosa, next meeting

Precisely, on the Swiss night show, the Blues will find themselves on a pitch that they like with variable geometry. “We shouldn’t miss each other at the start,” says Grillet-Aubert. “I don’t usually like sprints but I’m here to win them all this winter,” continues Youri Duplessis-Kergomard.