Vincent Vittoz (Fra) wins the men's 20km classic WCup in Italy in March 2008. ©Andy Canniff/Swix Sport file photo
Vincent Vittoz (Fra) - another victory in Falun, Sweden. ©One Way file photo
Vincent Vittoz (Fra) ©Rossignol file photo
His best overall Olympic finish was at the Games in Torino 2006 where he was 4th as part of the French relay team in the 4x10km. And he claimed Olympic 6th in the individual 30km pursuit in Torino as well, another personal best for the talented French skier. With numerous other victories on his resume we caught up with Vittoz to get his take on upcoming season and 2010 Games.
You began the 2009/10 season on a high note at the WCup in Beitostolen, Norway (Vittoz was 2nd in the 15km F) – did you expect such a good result?
Vincent Vittoz: The first race of the season is always a bit difficult to manage as it’s been seven months without confronting other skiers. I wasn’t sure of anything, but last month I felt that my form was better. I arrived in Beitostolen with great confidence because I felt well prepared. And the 15km skate event is a race that I particularly like.
Have you done anything different with your training in preparation for this season?
VV: I didn’t really change my workouts focusing primarily on the upper body. But I did put more emphasis on skating, as my main objective this winter is the 15km free event at the 2010 Olympic Games. I’ve usually spent more time training for classic – which for me requires more work – but this year I wanted to work my strong point.
What are your thoughts on Norway’s Petter Northug and his impressive start so far?
VV: He is very strong and the most complete skier on the circuit. Petter is capable of winning sprint and distance races for both classic and skating. He’s not unbeatable but he has great quality, especially his ability to accelerate at the end of the race.
You were born in Annecy in the Haute-Savoie region near Les Gets of MTB fame – it’s beautiful country with many hills.
VV: I grew up in La Clusaz and started cross-country skiing on the edge of the plateau (the site of the World Cup) when I was 8 years old. I love the beautiful mountains in this region – it’s a fantastic place and I’m lucky to live here.
You just missed an Olympic medal in the men’s 4x10km relay at Torino in 2006 – has the team improved since then?
VV: Every race is different, but our team is working hard to improve. At the recent WCup in Davos (Sui) there were a lot of good results for French skiers and I hope we can bring some Olympic medals back to France from Vancouver.
Why is the French team performing better?
VV: We have a strong core group of veterans – [Emmanuel] Jonnier, [Alexandre] Rousselet, [Christophe] Perrillat, [Jean Marc] Gaillard – but we also have very good new skiers such as young Darragon Manificat or Cyril Miranda that bring freshness to the team and motivate everyone.
You do very well at distance races…do you like them best?
VV: I have no power in sprints but I love all distance ski races up to 50km or even longer.
Do you see Nordic skiing becoming more popular in France andof view?
VV: The image of cross-country skiing in France has been evolving in the past 10 years. It’s much more dynamic not only because of the strong xc ski team, but also because of more competitive race organizers a better WCup structure in La Clusaz, for Masters in Autrans, or long distance as with Transjurassienne White or Stride. There are also many excellent sites where you can find well groomed trails every day. France of course has a rich history in alpine skiing and for many French, skiing still means downhill skiing.
Jean-Claude Killy from France made some major break throughs and came to the USA many times – what’s he doing now?
VV: He organizes events like Paris Dakar or the Alpine World Championships in Val D’Isere. The big thing now is France’s big to host the 2018 Olympic Games in Annecy.
What do you enjoy most when you’re away from skiing?
VV: I spend time with my family, I have two daughters, Luna three years old and Anja who is three months old. Otherwise I’m a DIY (do it yourself) guy around my house and I’m also renovating an old farm from 1730.
How do you deal with the pressure of the upcoming Vancouver 2010 Games?
VV: Pressure is part of the Games of course.
Which talent would you most like to have that you don’t have now?
VV: More speed in the finals at mass start races.
What do you consider your greatest achievement in skiing?
VV: I showed that France could produce a world champion in cross-country skiing.
What would you be doing if you weren’t ski racing?
VV: I do not know.
What have you heard about the courses in Vancouver for the 2010 Games?
VV: The reliefs are not huge and it’s a demanding course. With little recovery time it means you’ll always be working.
Where you will be having a training camp prior to the Olympics?
VV: At Mount Washington on Vancouver Island
Thanks for your time and all the best this season and at the Games.
VV: Thank you very much!