Cross-country skiing: Julie Pierrel finishes winter in fine form
Last weekend, Julie Pierrel made her return to the cross-country skiing World Cup circuit with the legendaryOslo-Holmenkollen stage (Norway). Competing in the individual classic and skate events, the Haut-Savoyard competed in the top 20. With these performances, the 23-year-old cross-country skier is looking forward to the end of the season.
Before heading to Tallinn, Estonia, for the penultimate stage of the winter season, the Bornandine took time out to talk to Nordic Magazine about her successful weekend. Interview.
- You hadn’t tasted the World Cup since 26 January. How did you manage to get back to this level?
After the U23 Worlds, I had a short break in February without racing. I was at home, in the sun and in good conditions to do some good skiing. And I think that’s what really helped me at the end of the season, because now I’m really back in shape! I went to Planica in the FESA Cup where it went really well. I won my first senior race and the next day I was just three seconds off the win. It was also a great race and then I was told I was going back to the World Cup. It was really great because I know that tickets are expensive at the end of the season and I was really proud to be back on this circuit. What’s more, it’s in beautiful places like Oslo, so it’s really great.
- Did you feel you were capable of achieving such good performances?
The conditions were good and everything was lined up for good racing. I didn’t put too much pressure on myself because I felt that I was in really good shape at the moment and that that could be a factor.
- You’ve already cracked the top 20 in the individual classic…
In the individual classic, I had the number 1 and I’d only done one before, and that was in Davos. This time, I was able to manage it better and start by smoothing out my effort. As I was starting in first position, I didn’t have much information. I did my race and didn’t realise that I was playing so well. I wasn’t able to get into another girl’s skis and that was a bit of a shame. After that, it also meant I wasn’t in the red.
“I’m starting to put in a string of good performances, so I’m very happy”.Julie Pierrel at Nordic Magazine
- With this number 1, how did you cope with being the first on the track?
It was great to open the race because there was the whole Norwegian public there and it was very stylish! I’m really happy with the race. It was pretty crazy and it’s a track I love. We had great skis and that helped a lot.
- How did you feel about the individual skateboarding event scheduled for Sunday?
In the individual skate, I still felt in good shape. I was on a roll and I wasn’t that stressed. I really wanted to do it and I was smiling. As I was still in the first bibs, I didn’t have much information and what’s more, it was windy so we didn’t really know where we were at the intermediates.
- We can imagine that these fine performances must put a smile on your face…
It was very close and it’s put me back in the top 20. It’s a huge achievement and my best performance since the start of the season. I’m starting to put in a string of good performances, so I’m very happy. I’m managing to be versatile and that’s really great.
- What’s next for you?
From now on, I’ll be going on to the Tallinn skate sprint and the finals in Lahti. That’s a real bonus for me. I’m really looking forward to it because I’m in great shape and I love skate sprints. It’s going to be a great show over there. At Lahti, it’s going to be a lovely track and I can’t wait to get my race number on at the end of the season. I’m really lucky to be here.
Read also
- Oslo-Holmenkollen: Therese Johaug off the podium in the individual skate race for the first time since 2016, Moa Ilar springs a surprise
- Oslo-Holmenkollen: Therese Johaug wins the individual classic, the French in the top 20
