Cross-country skiing: Jules Chappaz back in the game
On Friday, in the classic sprint of the cross-country skiing world cup in Falun (Sweden), Jules Chappaz found his way back to the final. The in-form Frenchman enjoyed a fine day under the Scandinavian sun. Despite a frustrating fourth place after being caught early on by Norway’s Even Northug, the Haut-Savoyard was keen to put things into perspective.
The cross-country skier from La Clusaz (Haute-Savoie) spoke to Nordic Magazine about his performance, which augurs well for the future with less than two weeks to go before the World Championships in Trondheim (Norway).
- How were you approaching this last classic sprint of the winter?
I was really looking forward to this sprint. It was the last classic sprint of the season and I really wanted to have a big, full day. I’d already had plenty of juice since yesterday [Thursday] so I was happy. We had a great course at Prémanon. We had a week of great conditions, even though it rained on the last two days. But otherwise, we still got to do some good skiing with our friends and it was really good to enjoy it.
- The classics suit you rather well, so were you thinking about this stage in Falun (Sweden)?
In the back of my mind, I still had that Falun sprint. I tried not to do too much on the course so as not to burn out for today. I did a great qualifying and I was already really happy. I told myself that today [Friday] I was going to go all-in and put in a big performance. I’m not going to try and do anything half-hearted by aiming for a top 10.
“In the final, I wanted to be a bit crazy”Jules Chappaz at Nordic Magazine
- Did you have a set tactic before the finals?
So I chose to play in the second quarter to get through to the first semi-final and make the final as fresh as possible. I did really well in the quarter and I felt really calm. In the semi-final, it was very hard because it was going really fast and there were only big names around me, including four Norwegians and Edvin Anger. It already felt like a final. In fact, I’m disappointed not to have been involved. Fortunately, I had a good run down the straight, which put me in the position of lucky loser.
- However, you were embarrassed by Even Northug in the final…
In the final, I wanted to get a bit crazy and be more of an actor. That’s what I wanted to do on the second climb, attacking from the right to get back into contention for the podium. That’s when I got caught by Even Northug who changed track on my skis. That’s the sprint game and I wouldn’t presume to say that I would have finished on the podium if that hadn’t happened.
But I’d have liked to see what it would have been like if I’d dropped to fourth at the top of the last climb and still been in contact with the podium. I really would have liked to have been on the podium right to the end. But I’m going to keep a positive outlook. A month and a half ago, after Davos, I was at the bottom of the bucket. I was telling myself that this was a season where not much was going right. You have to learn to accept that and move on.
- You seem to be back in form, is that one of the satisfactions of the day?
I’d chosen not to go to the Tour de Ski to try and get back to enjoying my skiing by simply trying to put things right. And now, over January and early February, I can see that it was perhaps the best decision. Because I’ve taken the time to rework my sprinting and get back as fit as possible for the Worlds.
- Does this augur well ahead of the World Championships in Trondheim (Norway)?
I have the impression that my form is improving and I can’t wait for the Worlds. I’m probably only going to race on Sunday, even though it’s not a done deal yet. After that, we’ll go home for a week before heading off to Trondheim. I’m going to make the most of my time at home to recharge my batteries and get back into the swing of things. I want to arrive at the world championships in as good shape as possible so that I can make a splash there.
Read also
- Falun: Jules Chappaz just off the podium in the classic sprint dominated by Johannes Hoesflot Klæbo
- Falun: Linn Svahn regains World Cup victory in the classic sprint
- Falun: Johannes Hoesflot Klæbo qualifies for the classic sprint, three French players reach the finals
