Cross-country skiing: France Pignot enters the big league in Tallinn
On 8 March, on the slopes of Planica (Slovenia), France Pignot discovered the FESA Cup in cross-country skiing in the senior category. This first selection came at the very end of the season for the Frenchwoman, who had been making a name for herself on the French Cup circuit for several weeks.
Ninth in the individual skate, the Haut-Savoyard was already on her way to the top 10 before heading to Prémanon (Jura) to compete in the finals of this competition. At the Tuffes stadium, the 21-year-old cross-country skier once again stood out, winning the sprint skate qualifier before finishing an excellent fifth in the final.
Her performances convinced the members of the French coaching staff to invite her to her first World Cup stop-off at the Tallinn races (Estonia), which take place this Wednesday. Ahead of her debut in the big time, the skier from Agy (Haute-Savoie) talks to Nordic Magazine about her first selection at the highest level in the world.
- How did you react to the news of your selection?
I’m really pleased, but I wasn’t expecting it at all. I won my first senior FESA Cup selection just a fortnight ago. At the time, I was already very happy because I didn’t think there would be any new openings at the end of the season. The cool thing is that there have been some on this circuit but also in the World Cup. It’s great to be able to express yourself at both levels.
- Were you informed that a ticket for this stage in Tallinn (Estonia) could be at stake?
I didn’t know there were any selections for this stage in Tallinn. All we knew was that there was a ticket up for grabs for the boys. At the FESA Cup in Prémanon, I won the qualification, so I was very surprised. Then I wanted to have a good tournament to put all the chances on my side. In the end, I finished fifth. So I wasn’t expecting to be selected at all.
“It’s brought a lot of success to my season, which got off to a poor start”France Pignot at Nordic Magazine
- What does this top-class premiere mean to you?
It’s a great opportunity. It brings a lot of success to my season, which started badly. I wasn’t at my best at the start of the winter. And yet I’ve been selected. It’s proof that you really have to keep at it. Training pays off in the end, even if it’s not necessarily when you expect it.
- What does joining the elite of your sport mean to you?
For me, it’s a bonus. I watch the World Cup races every week and follow all the athletes to their heart’s content. I really admire them and pay attention to every detail. It’s a real chance to be here and to take part in the events I dream of.
- How are you preparing for the start of the sprint skate qualifier scheduled for late Wednesday?
It was such a surprise that it took me a while to digest the information. For 48 hours, I had trouble channelling my energy. Today, I’m just looking forward to being there and seeing how it all unfolds. I also want to be with all the members of the team to chat with them and ask them questions. I’m sure they’ll be very open-minded because they’re very caring people. I already know the girls, who are good friends, so I have no doubt that things will go well.
“I’m already going to try to put in a good performance so I don’t regret anything”France Pignot at Nordic Magazine
- Do you have any specific objectives to achieve on site?
I want to be myself as much as possible. I need to be 100% present, even though there are bound to be new elements to deal with, with added stress. Sprinting is fast and mistakes are costly. I’m going to do my best skiing and the result will take second place. I’m already going to try to put in a good performance so that I don’t have any regrets, telling myself that I gave it my best shot.
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