Ambitious and talented French skier Richard Jouve has made a big progress. The young man from Alpes-Provence sets himself no limits, wants to get better in classic technique to win one day Overall Sprint World Cup.

Richard, If I ask you about the opening sprint in Gatineau at the Ski Tour Canada. What will you reply?

This was my career best and a dream race after having been very to a disappointment in the qualification (Jouve took second place after having 28th in the qualification).

You already have 4 World Cup podiums. What is your secret to succeed?

Since last year, I have started in 12 World Cup sprint competitions, 4 World Cup podiums (3 individual + 1 team sprint) is ten-times more than I expected. If there was really something like a secret I would not reveal it, but I think I have been able to manage important races in a much better way. After the start I focus myself on winning and keeping everybody else behind me.

Results at Ski Tour Canada after a great weekend in Planica, where French skiers took 4 out 6 podium spots. What do you remember about your performance? 

It was a great weekend for French skiers. We had a great team spirit and challenged each other. On that weekend we raised not only our level but also our status in the following races. For me everything came together in the individual sprint. On the Sunday in the team sprint I thought I was flying.

You train with Team Pony, what is it like?

The group gives me a lot. We are happy to be together and train together. That’s very important because we spend together many days of the year. We train hard and at a speed or intensive training session everybody has to be 200% to win, that’s what makes us fast in the winter. We also have a lot a fun and that pushes Team Pony in the right direction.

You are only 21 years old. Your ambitions are high for next winter, what are those?

Last winter gave me confidence for the next year. When I am at the start I want to win. I want to be selected for the World Championships in Lahti and do my best there. 
I would like to improve my classic to be able to fight for the Overall Sprint World Cup ranking.

Original interview posted on www.nordicmag.info

Source: fis-ski.com