Portrait
Following her atypical career in Alpine skiing (she competed for HUNGARY), Ophelie has become one of the best skiers on the American Pro circuit before giving birth to her pretty little girl, Lilou. Discovering Skier-X in 2003 by pure pleasure, Ophelie quickly became one of the greatest stars of the discipline. After 3 World Cup Overall Rankings victories and also a bronze medalist at the 2006 X-Games and 2005 World Championships, Ophelie decided to go for new challenges and joined the Saab Salomon International Pro Team in 2007! She then achieved an impressive list of successes winning for the first time the 2007 X-Games and FIS World Champion title as well as her 4th World Cup Overall Ranking!
Interview
You had a suburb 2007 season with one victory at X games, one World Cup title and will you have a crystal globe?
Yes, it was wonderful, incredible. I didn’t know how it would be coming to Salomon, Lionel Favret told me that for this first year I shouldn’t feel any pressure, but it would be nice to prove to Salomon that they can have confidence in me. I thought I could to win the three competitions, but I wasn’t sure. I believe in a good atmosphere on the team and the encouragement of the whole staff during the X Games. This atmosphere helped me to remain calm and collected.
What circuit will you take part in next season and what are your goals for the winter?
The US Pro circuit and the World Cup and my main objective is to win the X Games since I have tasted the joy to win, I want to do that again.
What are your dreams following your career in the skierX and notably for the Olympic games in 2010 ?
My dreams in skiercross are to maintain a good level of health 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 will continue to look to the Olympic Games, keep a good head and do what I need to to stay competitive. The entry of skiercross at the Olympic Games is a good thing because the public will discover this wonderful competition full energy, but be careful not forget that skiercross is a spectacle which should make the public suspenseful and excited.
Your 3 Overall World Cup Globes (2004/2005/2006) and 7 World Cup podiums?
Bibi Licinio was invited to participate in the Jeep King of the Mountain; and he was looking for a girl for his team. He offered me the spot; and I accepted right away! I needed to get back into the spirit of competition so I signed up for the Crossmax Series event at Les 2 Alpes. There, I discovered Skier-X and I loved it! After several races, Phil and I decided that I should attempt more in this discipline…
The first Globe was really a surprise because I didn’t expect to be at the top level my first year. For the two others, I had more ambition thus more pressure; that’s why all three have their story and are precious.
Your domination of the FIS World Cup Circuit?
I train to be in shape all winter. Bibi takes care of my physical preparation. My family supports me; my husband helps me and encourages me every day! At each start, a new game begins and I always have as much fun!
Your vision of the different Skier-X Circuits or competitions (FIS, X-Games, Crossmax Series)?
The X-Games for me is the best race possible: you take risks and get a rush of adrenaline, the American show, everything is there for a great race!
The World Cup events still have the aura of Alpine events. The FIS courses are too easy without a high technical level: this takes away the spirit of the sport… the spectacular side. It is too bad because this is what the crowd is looking for!
The Saab Salomon Crossmax Series is the opposite of the FIS races: the runs are fun; 6 in the starting gate is very exciting!
For the US Pro Tours, apparently the format is going to change this year and the two US Pro circuits (Honda and jeep) are regrouping, so, I do not know much, we will see what happens but the Skiercross spirit will rein and that it will be awesome.
Your recent move to the Saab Salomon Crossmax Pro Team & goals and dreams for the future?
To join the Salomon Pro Team is real chance! It has the best team structure with a lot of ambition. I don’t think I could have dreamed for anything better. I am going to evolve with the best riders on the circuit, with amazing skis at my feet and an entire staff that will let us ski in the best possible conditions… pure joy!
I hope to win a bunch of medals!
Your life as a competitor and also a mother of a young Lilou?
I have a husband that takes care of everything when I’m not there! That makes all the difference because I leave serene! My family is important; and they always support me!
Your other passions and hobbies besides skiing?
I love being in Corsica. My parents live in Bonifacio. I love everything there: the sea, the natural surroundings, the sports you can do there, the beaches, the food… everything! I love to travel, discover new places, customs, characters… it’s always a pleasure.
Your home, your way of life?
I live one half of a chalet (Bibi lives in the other half) in Huez… it’s a little nuts but fun. There is always someone coming around to have a drink, to talk, to stay a few days… I have great neighbors; and we like the area. My life is divided among my daughter, my husband, my athletic events and traveling to train and for races… it’s a great life! Not too complicated!
Et ton engagement dans des compétitions de VTT?
Au début c’était juste un défi : faire la Megavalanche !! et puis ça m’a plu et ça marchait pas mal pour une débutante alors les cycles Lapierre m’ont proposer de m’équiper et depuis j’ai la chance d’avoir non pas des vélos mais de vrais « armes de combats !! », j’ai également eu la chance de rencontrer tout un tas de gens passionnés et gentils , qui n’hésitent pas à m’aider et à me conseiller comme Vincent Juillot qui m’a littéralement pris sous son aile !!! je progresse et je prends de plus en plus de plaisir…alors je ne pense pas m’arrêter de si tôt !!
And your commitment in Mountain biking competitions?
At the beginning it was just the challenge, to do the MagaAvalanche. And then really I liked it very much and it did not go too badly for it being my first time. Then Lapierre cycles offered to equip me since I have luck. They did not offer me bicycles but real military weapons. I have had the chance to meet a whole group of passionate, friendly people who do not hesitate to help me and advise me. People like Vincent Juillot, who literally took me under his wing. I am progressing and having more fun each time, I am not thinking about stopping so early.
| 
