Cross-country skiing: Justine Gaillard finished strongly in the mass start classic at Les Rousses
On Saturday, Justine Gaillard discovered the highest level of international competition for the very first time in her young career when she qualified for the classic sprint of the cross-country skiing world cup in Les Rousses (Jura). Still at the start of the mass-start classic on Sunday, the Dauphinoise had a great time thanks to a solid finish.
Speaking to Nordic Magazine in the mixed zone after the race, which she finished in thirty-first place, the Ski amical Méaudrais cross-country skier spoke in detail about her performance and the importance of her first appearance at the top echelon of world cross-country skiing.
- After the sprint, you took your first World Cup distance start, tell us about it…
I was a bit stressed at the start. But then I told myself that it was a mass-start and that there was only one thing to do and that was to hang on as long as possible. It went very quickly. I was kind of expecting it, but it wasn’t that bad [Laughs].

- Did the start of the race surprise you?
I was in a bad way at the start and I told myself that the seven laps were going to be long. In the end, little by little, I got better and better. I’m back up again and I’m very happy.
- Tell us about the atmosphere in the cauldron of Les Rousses…
The atmosphere was just too good and too cool. The noise was pushing us all the way. On the big bump, you can’t hear yourself breathe. I didn’t know I was hyperventilating, so I just kept going [Laughs]!
“We bet a little on the hook”.Justine Gaillard at Nordic Magazine
- Does this give you any ideas for the future?
It makes you want to do it, and even if the best are a long way off, the top 30 isn’t that far off. I had really good skis and a good wax that glided well. We relied a bit on grip, so we had quite a few layers, and in the end it glided really well, so it was great.
- What can you take away from your first weekend in the top flight?
Frankly, it was a great discovery. I was so happy and grateful to be here. It makes you want to see the rest. Everyone was there! The club came with signs and that was great.

- Sharing this first with your many team-mates must also have been a highlight…
There were a lot of French women on this stage and that’s not often the case. I think it’s a real boost for the whole team. It’s really cool to share it with all the girls.
- What’s next for you?
For the moment, I don’t know yet and we’ll see. I hope to be in the running for the U23 world championships. After that, it’s a close call, so I don’t know yet.
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