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„We are ready to defend our title!“
In time for the World Championships in Falun, Sweden, reigning team World Champion Francois Braud answered some questions for this week’s TUESDAY TALK. Get some insights in his plan for the different competitions in Sweden, the preparation until the title event starts and some news on how team leader Jason Lamy Chappuis is doing.
You have shown stable Top 20 results since the season start and entered the Top Ten in Val di Fiemme this weekend. Would you say your shape is in an upward development right before the World Championships?
Francois Braud: Yes, since the beginning of the season I have been a regular in the Top 20. My jumping is not on my best level yet but my cross-country is good, so I am able to catch up some places. This weekend in Predazzo, I got a good feeling back in jumping part and then I can fight for the podium. This result is perfect for me and for my confidence just before the World Championships.
As defending team World Champions, you have some work cut out for your team at Falun. Do you feel you and your teammates will be able to defend your title against the strong German, Austrian and Norwegian teams?
Braud: Yes, with the team, we showed from the beginning of the season that we are ready to defend our title or at least to fight for the podium. We were third twice in the World Cup. It will be necessary to be better because the Germans and Norwegians or also the Austrians are strong but I trust in the strength of my team to defend our title.
Together with Sebastien Lacroix, you captured a fifth rank in the Team Sprint in Val di Fiemme and were not far off the podium. How important was this Team Sprint competitions also as a last test for the Team Sprint in Falun?
Braud: The Team Sprint is very important for the French team. We like this format and we have a good chance. This weekend with Sebastien, we were close to catch the podium but we lost to much time in the jumping part. It still was a very good test before Falun and we know what we have to work on now.
Which of the four competitions are you looking forward to most and what are your goals for the individuals?
Braud: I think that i can fight for a medal in all of the four competitions. Last season, Falun was a good race for me. I like the difficult conditions on the hill with lots of wind and the track for cross-country, too. I particularly like the team event cause it's with together wth my friends but I will focus on all four competitions.
With team leader Jason Lamy Chappuis out with an injury in the past few weeks, some have definitely been worried about the French prospects for Falun. Will Jason be fit and joining the team for Falun?
Braud: Yes, Jason was out with an injury in the past few weeks but he knows what was wrong and he has been very well looked after. He will be present with us in Falun and ready to defend his titles.
What is on schedule for you from now on until the World Championships start?
Braud: This week, we stay at home for regeneration and some cross-country training and week after, we will go and have a training camp in Obersdorf to get the last details done in the jumping part and prepare to be on the top shape for the big highlight in Falun.
You have shown stable Top 20 results since the season start and entered the Top Ten in Val di Fiemme this weekend. Would you say your shape is in an upward development right before the World Championships?
Francois Braud: Yes, since the beginning of the season I have been a regular in the Top 20. My jumping is not on my best level yet but my cross-country is good, so I am able to catch up some places. This weekend in Predazzo, I got a good feeling back in jumping part and then I can fight for the podium. This result is perfect for me and for my confidence just before the World Championships.
As defending team World Champions, you have some work cut out for your team at Falun. Do you feel you and your teammates will be able to defend your title against the strong German, Austrian and Norwegian teams?
Braud: Yes, with the team, we showed from the beginning of the season that we are ready to defend our title or at least to fight for the podium. We were third twice in the World Cup. It will be necessary to be better because the Germans and Norwegians or also the Austrians are strong but I trust in the strength of my team to defend our title.
Together with Sebastien Lacroix, you captured a fifth rank in the Team Sprint in Val di Fiemme and were not far off the podium. How important was this Team Sprint competitions also as a last test for the Team Sprint in Falun?
Braud: The Team Sprint is very important for the French team. We like this format and we have a good chance. This weekend with Sebastien, we were close to catch the podium but we lost to much time in the jumping part. It still was a very good test before Falun and we know what we have to work on now.
Which of the four competitions are you looking forward to most and what are your goals for the individuals?
Braud: I think that i can fight for a medal in all of the four competitions. Last season, Falun was a good race for me. I like the difficult conditions on the hill with lots of wind and the track for cross-country, too. I particularly like the team event cause it's with together wth my friends but I will focus on all four competitions.
With team leader Jason Lamy Chappuis out with an injury in the past few weeks, some have definitely been worried about the French prospects for Falun. Will Jason be fit and joining the team for Falun?
Braud: Yes, Jason was out with an injury in the past few weeks but he knows what was wrong and he has been very well looked after. He will be present with us in Falun and ready to defend his titles.
What is on schedule for you from now on until the World Championships start?
Braud: This week, we stay at home for regeneration and some cross-country training and week after, we will go and have a training camp in Obersdorf to get the last details done in the jumping part and prepare to be on the top shape for the big highlight in Falun.
Source: fis-ski.com
