Biathlon | Anaïs Chevalier-Bouchet: “I had the perfect race” | Nordic Mag | N ° 1 in Nordic Skiing – Nordic Mag

Biathlon: Anaïs Chevalier-Bouchet, a communicative smile

It was after the press convention granted to the IBU that Anaïs Chevalier-Bouchet, second in the Kontiolahti dash, got here to reply questions from French journalists for ten minutes. Wrapped up in her blue puffer jacket, the champion of the day eliminated the masks and neck hotter to thrust back the virus and the chilly to make manner for an attractive smile, and inspiring phrases of satisfaction. Interview.

Last weekend reassured me and I used to be capable of choose my type, see the degree I had and let go of the ballast. Today, I stayed centered on my bodily efficiency and let go of my balls extra calmly. That’s what I missed on the first few races.

• Can we then say that this can be a profitable comeback for you?

For the second, sure, it is a profitable comeback. But till when is the unknown. But I’m very happy. This morning, I had my little assist, I could not see my daughter earlier than she went to the nanny. So I stated to myself that we had to brighten up this present day a bit of as a result of it was a bit of unhappy.

I notice that I method racing utterly otherwise. I’m at work, I haven’t got a lot room for errors. And thus far it is working and I’m conscious that it is not going to work all season like that. I handle to handle my feelings properly. I haven’t got the proper to let myself be invaded.

• You used the expression “go to work”. Does this imply that your outlook on biathlon has modified?

If it weren’t for the flame for biathlon, belief me I might be house with my household. I nonetheless have the ardour nevertheless it’s been just a few years now that I stated that I had no time to waste. I’ve to do properly and shortly as a result of I’m not going to spend too lengthy in biathlon till 40 years previous.

• We additionally see you very match on the skis. Does this shock you?

Clearly I’m the first shock of my degree in snowboarding. I’m in higher form earlier and higher than ordinary. I felt it. But from there to snowboarding occasions like that, to exit in entrance of Denise Herrmann and never get caught up… I did not assume a lot.

After that, I nonetheless spent nearly a yr and a half with out competitors. I did not run final season and simply “rest”, properly, a relative relaxation (laughs). I believe the freshness is taking part in. I’m satisfied that the physique adjustments physiologically after being pregnant, and it’s even confirmed.

• The truth of getting left with bib 3 due to this fact made you wait till the finish. How did that play out at this time?

I had the perfect race so it did not matter if I completed twelfth it was the similar. I had nothing else to do. It was as much as others to choose up the 10/10. So I had time to get better on the skis and eat earlier than going to the podium ceremony.

• What are you able to inform us about the circumstances at this time in Kontiolahti with a tougher climate for you than for the males?

It was fairly secure. We had no luck with the first bibs as a result of it began to snow simply earlier than. We due to this fact noticed that the tracks had been a bit of coated. Otherwise it was more durable to ski than final weekend, it was rather less slippery perhaps. On the capturing vary, circumstances had been common with a lightweight wind, however nothing to be nervous about.

I will likely be pressured on Sunday morning, it will likely be the first race in a confrontation. I do not like there being a stint between the dash and the pursuit however this time perhaps that can assist me. They (the Oeberg sisters in specific, editor’s be aware) will go away sturdy, I’m positive. I’m going to should be there, very current. I will not be on their own on my mat, a bit of confused, however I’ve time to get began and I really like biathlon when it is like that.

• You stated it, earlier than that, there will likely be a relay together with your teammates. Do extra about the composition in specific?

We have not talked about it but. I actually do not know. I’ll adjust to the technique of the coaches and the staff, anyway (smiles). I do know the begins, so it must be okay.

• Thanks to your efficiency, you formally provide the first sticker displayed in the technicians’ truck. Huge pleasure, is not it?

It’s good ! Since we have been right here, there have been some nice locations however I’m comfortable to stay the first sticker. Finally it isn’t me who will stick it, however I’m comfortable.

• Seen from the outdoors, we have now the impression that the Scandinavian nations are superior on skis. What is your viewpoint on this peculiarity of the begin of the season?

I believe they have been snowboarding a bit longer than us. They are snows that they know and that we, with the technicians, know rather less. I believe it performs. The snow is right here like in Östersund, however we’ll see subsequent week in Hochfilzen. I believe that can change fairly a bit.

Photos: Nordic Focus