Tell us about your fabulous 2009 season with 6 World Cup victories, a 6th Globe and 3rd gold medal at the X-Games?
It was a great season but I still made a few errors even so, particularly in Japan, where I missed out on the World Championships…. that being said, by being clever, these misadventures could serve as a very good lesson to actually improve my future seasons, that’s what I’m trying to achieve.
What training have you planned for the 2010 season and Olympic Games?
How will you work together with the French team?
We’re used to training with the French team. This year, Romuald Licinio was recruited. I think it’s a very good thing for the entire team. On my side, I’m training as usual with perhaps a few extra dreams in my head! But overall, no major changes.
What are your dreams for the 2010 Olympic Games?
My Skier-X dreams are simply to stay in good shape until the Olympic Games. I want to come back home with a gold medal and throw a big party with family and friends. But the road is long and there are lots of things that could happen. So I’ll continue to look forward to the Olympic Games, keep a good head on my shoulders and do what I need to do to stay competitive.
What do you think about Skier-X becoming a discipline for the very first time in the
The International Olympic Committee has shown that it is open minded but worried about keeping the sport as close to what it really is; we all saw this with the introduction of BMX in the summer Olympic Games for example.
We’re on the same wave and it’s very intoxicating to say to think that we’re going to take part in the launch of this new discipline and to be the first to represent a sport which deserves to be more well known! It’s a great gift and we’ll do everything we can to rise to the occasion!
How will you dominate the FIS World Cup circuit?
I’ll train to be in shape all winter. Bibi Licinio takes care of my physical training. My family supports me; my husband helps me and encourages me every day! A new game begins at every start gate and I always have as much fun as I can!
What is your vision of the X-Games?
For me, the X-Games is the best race possible: you take risks and get an incredible adrenaline rush, the typical American show…everything is there for a great race!
What about the support from the Saab Salomon Crossmax Pro Team?
Joining the Salomon Pro Team in 2007 was a real chance! It has the best team structure and a lot of ambition. I don’t think I could’ve wished for anything better. I’m evolving with the best riders on the circuit, with amazing skis on my feet and a team of staff that encourages us to ski in the best possible conditions… pure joy!
Tell us about your life as a competitor and also as a mother of young Lilou
I have a husband that takes care of everything when I’m not there! It makes all the difference because I can go away with peace of mind! My family is important; they always support me!
What are your other passions and hobbies besides skiing?
I love being in
What about your home, your way of life?
I live in one half of a chalet (Bibi lives in the other) in Huez… it’s a little nuts, but fun. There’s always someone coming around for a drink, talk, or to stay for a few days… I have great neighbors; and we like the area. My life is divided between my daughter, husband, my athletic events and traveling to train or attend races… it’s a great life! Not too complicated!
In what way are you committed to mountain biking competitions?
At the beginning, it was just a challenge to do the MegaAvalanche. And then I really liked it and my first time was not bad at all. Then Lapierre Cycles offered to equip me as I had good luck. They didn’t offer me bicycles, but real military weapons. I’ve had the chance to meet a whole group of passionate, friendly people who don’t hesitate to help and advise me. People like Vincent Juillot, who literally took me under his wing. I’m progressing and having more fun each time, I’m not thinking about stopping so soon.
Tell us about your passion for Skier-X and your commitment to Skier-X and MTB competitions as a woman?
I don’t have a special recipe; I simply adore what I do. I love the game element of Skier-X and I find the same challenges for myself in MTB. On top of this, both sports take place in natural surroundings which are so stunning that it takes your breath away.
To be a woman in this world of competition is just fine – I don’t have anything to prove and men and women alike are free to look for the spine tingling shivers in whichever way they can. I was born in the 1970s following many changes in
What about your life as a woman and mother?
I’m supported 200% by Phil, my husband, and my family too. My mother-in-law helps us and my mother (and sometimes even my Dad) come and spend the whole winter in the Alpe to look after Lilou… who, between us, loves to be cuddled and spoiled by her grandparents!
We speak a lot and I’d like to say a big thanks to today’s technology – long live Skype!
My life is the same as ‘many others’ and I don’t consider myself different, just lucky and I keep my fingers crossed that this luck continues….