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„We are starting into a new cycle from scratch!“
Big tasks are waiting for Jerome Laheurte, the new head coach of the French Nordic Combined team. In the era post-Jason Lamy Chappuis, the team has to be re-formed and new young athletes built up to close the gap that the two veterans left in the team. The former ski jumping coach of the team is now responsible for managing all aspects of the team: budget, selection of competitions, preparation of staff, planning career goals for his athletes and the team selection.
The French team has to recover from the loss of Sebastien Lacroix and Jason Lamy Chappuis. How can you replace these two grand athletes?
Laheurte: The priority of my work will undeniably be the reconstruction of the team around Francois Braud and Maxime Laheurte. I will need their experience at the elite level to carry the team and hold on to the hopes that they will take over the relay baton from our two retirees. (laughs)
On a more serious note, my mission will be to find the best young athletes who are capable of making the French team in view of the Olympic Games in 2018. It will not be an easy task because we have enjoyed a golden generation. To come behind them will be tough but I am hopeful when I watch our resources.
The next generation of athletes, are they ready to take over just yet?
Laheurte: Of course not. The only experience the most of them have so far is the Alpencup (OPA). It is legitimate that they do not have the level to compete on the World Cup in a successful way yet. But practice makes perfect. I know that they have the talent to succeed. Not it is about showing them to develop the necessary fighting spirit. The potential on the physical side is there. Now the head has to keep up with the process. They have to constantly challenge themselves and work on the gaps that they still have to the top athletes.
Who are the most promising athletes?
Laheurte: Antoine Gerard certainly is the most advanced athlete since he already had the chance to compete on the highest level last year. This year, he will be in an interesting role in which he has to confirm all the expectations riding on him. Next to him, there are other talents like Lilian Vaxelaire, Theo Rochat or Yann Laheurte. All have performed internationally already and might be future representatives of Team France.
What are the goals for the next season?
Laheurte: For the young athletes who come into the team now, it will be to keep their place in the World Cup by managing to stay in the Top 50. For our two top athletes, the objectives will of course be a lot higher. Francois Braud has to confirm his excellent last season with several podium results. Maxime Laheurte has also delivered his best season ever. He regained his confidence in the jumping part and gained maturity on cross-country skis. His objective will be a maximum of Top 10 results and going for the podium.
Will the French team be able to shine at the next World Championships and Olympics?
Laheurte: It will be a long and difficult way because we start into a new Olympic cycle from scratch. The next big events will come too soon to aspire to a podium result with the team. But our goal is to be ready in time for the next Olympics to give it a shot, land a coup. A medal with this new group would be even more amazing considering who has left the team now.
Source: fis-ski.com
The French team has to recover from the loss of Sebastien Lacroix and Jason Lamy Chappuis. How can you replace these two grand athletes?
Laheurte: The priority of my work will undeniably be the reconstruction of the team around Francois Braud and Maxime Laheurte. I will need their experience at the elite level to carry the team and hold on to the hopes that they will take over the relay baton from our two retirees. (laughs)
On a more serious note, my mission will be to find the best young athletes who are capable of making the French team in view of the Olympic Games in 2018. It will not be an easy task because we have enjoyed a golden generation. To come behind them will be tough but I am hopeful when I watch our resources.
The next generation of athletes, are they ready to take over just yet?
Laheurte: Of course not. The only experience the most of them have so far is the Alpencup (OPA). It is legitimate that they do not have the level to compete on the World Cup in a successful way yet. But practice makes perfect. I know that they have the talent to succeed. Not it is about showing them to develop the necessary fighting spirit. The potential on the physical side is there. Now the head has to keep up with the process. They have to constantly challenge themselves and work on the gaps that they still have to the top athletes.
Who are the most promising athletes?
Laheurte: Antoine Gerard certainly is the most advanced athlete since he already had the chance to compete on the highest level last year. This year, he will be in an interesting role in which he has to confirm all the expectations riding on him. Next to him, there are other talents like Lilian Vaxelaire, Theo Rochat or Yann Laheurte. All have performed internationally already and might be future representatives of Team France.
What are the goals for the next season?
Laheurte: For the young athletes who come into the team now, it will be to keep their place in the World Cup by managing to stay in the Top 50. For our two top athletes, the objectives will of course be a lot higher. Francois Braud has to confirm his excellent last season with several podium results. Maxime Laheurte has also delivered his best season ever. He regained his confidence in the jumping part and gained maturity on cross-country skis. His objective will be a maximum of Top 10 results and going for the podium.
Will the French team be able to shine at the next World Championships and Olympics?
Laheurte: It will be a long and difficult way because we start into a new Olympic cycle from scratch. The next big events will come too soon to aspire to a podium result with the team. But our goal is to be ready in time for the next Olympics to give it a shot, land a coup. A medal with this new group would be even more amazing considering who has left the team now.
Source: fis-ski.com
