Cross-country skiing: this winter, Margaux Gaillard will be competing in the Ski Classics with the i3 Ski Team
Next winter, Dauphiné cross-country skier Margaux Gaillard will be competing in two differents racing suits: that of Team Vercors Isère, her team since 2022, and that of the i3 Ski Team, for which she will be taking part in a number of Ski Classics races in the winter of 2024/2025.
It has to be said that the 22-year-old from Méaudra was keen to discover the highly reputed professional long-distance cross-country circuit. A thirst for novelty prevented last season by an aching back.
“Initially, Team Vercors Isère had planned to take out a licence for the Ski Classics, but that didn’t happen for budgetary reasons in particular, she explained to Nordic Magazine. Rémi Salacroup [her coach, editor’s note] and I tried to find another solution.”
This was in La Féclaz (Savoie), where the i3 Ski Team is based. An agreement was quickly reached between the two parties, who have a good relationship, to allow Margaux Gaillard, who continues to be affiliated to Team Vercors Isère, to take part in a few Ski Classics races under the colours of the Savoyard team. “I don’t have any problems with Team Vercors Isère, we’ve just found a solution together and I’m very happy about that,” says Margaux.
“An alliance rather than unhealthy competition”
“We’re not trying to steal Margaux [Gaillard], confirms Pierre Belingheri, coach of the i3 Ski Team. For the team’s long-term survival, I’m convinced that we need to be present on this circuit. So it’s an opportunity for Margaux [Gaillard] to come with us because she doesn’t have the right structure on her side and it’s also an opportunity for us. In short, it’s more of an alliance than a bit of unhealthy competition.”
Margaux Gaillard will be taking part in the French Cup at Bessans (Savoie) at the end of November as a qualifier for the first FESA Cup of the winter season, but she will also be donning the i3 Ski Team’s wetsuit for the opening weekend of the Ski Classics at Bad Gastein (Austria) on 14 and 15 December. “I’m really looking forward to it! Then I’ll be on the Diagonela on 18 January and maybe the Marcialonga on 26 January, she adds. I’ll also be doing quite a few skateboard races, with the Engadine Marathon as my main target.”
For the i3 Ski Team, who were short of female cross-country skiers for the Ski Classics project after Suzette Christin ‘s sudden retirement this summer, the recruitment of Margaux Gaillard for a few races came at just the right time.
“Sometimes things happen at the right time, philosophises Pierre Belingheri. She’ll be able to give us points in the Ski Classics rankings, but above all she was unanimously supported by our ranks when her name was put forward. So I think she’s going to add real value to group life when we travel.”
- After a winter cut short by injury, Margaux Gaillard looks back on the start of her preparations: “I’m remaining vigilant because my back is still fragile”.
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- The i3 Ski Team met in Savoie over the last few days
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- “It’s a key moment when you have to manage the athletes’ change of pace”: the i3 Ski Team enters the final months of its preparations
- Rémi Salacroup leaves Team Vercors Isère
- “I’m not going to disappear overnight”: Rémi Salacroup speaks out after his departure from Team Vercors Isère
- After four years with Team Vercors Isère, Hanna Fine changes team and joins the eD System Vltava Fund Team
- “I’m keen to see what a full season on the circuit will bring”: Hanna Fine’s first impressions after her change of team
- Trollhättan Action Week: Magni Smedaas wins the individual, Hanna Fine best Frenchwoman
