Cross-country skiing: Gaspard Rousset takes his first steps in the big leagues
Gaspard Rousset has been looking for a taste of the cross-country skiing World Cup for several seasons now. This Friday, in the classic sprint in Falun (Sweden), the Féclaz native will finally get a taste of the best in his discipline.
Winner of the FESA Cup a few weeks ago and victorious in the classic La Savoyarde, the Savoyard arrives at the top level with the desire to enjoy and perform. Nordic Magazine spoke to the 24-year-old about one of the highlights of his career.
- How did you react to the announcement of this first selection?
When I was announced, I was really happy and relieved. I’ve been chasing this World Cup ticket for a while. I also decided not to go to Les Rousses. In the classic mass-start, I could have lined up there.
- Why this strong choice?
It was at the same time as a stage of the FESA Cup scheduled at Falcade. So I decided not to go to the Jura to continue to score points and make sure I was in the running for the yellow circuit bib until the end of the season. I thought it would be an interesting gamble to play for this jersey because it could lead to several world cup stages next year if I manage to win it.
It was also a great challenge because I had to win at Falcade to be able to go on to the World Cup. For the moment, I’m on the right track. I’m in the race in second place, 60 points behind, and there’s still the less good races to get rid of. There are still five to go, so nothing’s done.
“It represents the evolution of all the investment I’ve put into it over the years”Gaspard Rousset to Nordic Magazine
- What does this first ascent on the best of circuits represent?
For me, it represents the evolution of all the investment I’ve put into it over the years, and particularly since the senior years when it’s really starting to get serious. I know the FESA Cup circuit well. I’ve done quite a few races there and it was the evolution I was trying to take to get my bearings. The World Cup is what I train for. It’s great to finally have two opportunities to express myself at this level. What’s more, it’s in Falun, so that’s class!
- What are your thoughts on the Falun site in Sweden?
Falun is a Mecca for cross-country skiing. It’s really nice to go there for my first World Cup. There’s a historical aspect too. My mother did the World Championships there in 1993, so I’m happy to be doing my first World Cup there, knowing that my mum also raced there.
- How are you feeling ahead of these first starts in the top flight?
I’m feeling pretty good at the moment. I fell ill after the FESA Cup in Falcade but that was far enough away from the Falun race for me to be worried. I also did La Savoyarde to get back into the swing of things. Théo Schely and I battled it out and it was really nice to be able to do a popular race again, and what’s more at home. I had to defend my territory because there was a Cluse coming and I didn’t want him to win, otherwise I’d have heard about it for a while [Laughs]!
“The aim is to have no regrets when we get home”Gaspard Rousset to Nordic Magazine
- Do you already have any ambitions for the weekend?
As far as my ambitions are concerned, I want to enjoy myself, have fun and make the most of this experience. In terms of results, I’m not aware of the level I can achieve there. I’m already going to concentrate on my own copy and try to give the best version I can in these two races. As far as the result is concerned, that’ll depend on what happens, but the aim is to have no regrets when I get home.
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