Interview with Jean Marc Gaillard

World Cup

Fri, Jan  23, 2009 - By FIS

Jean Marc Gaillard (FRA), the 28-year-old native of the Haute Savoie finished this year's Tour de Ski in the 6th position, is placed sithx in the overall World Cup ranking and managed his second World Cup podium spot ever in his career in the Pursuit race in the Whistler Olympic Park last weekend.  After the race, the FIS Cross-Country News had the chance to conduct a brief interview with the French skier.

FIS CC News: Jean Marc, you had a great race here in Whistler. How you you feel now?

Jean Marc Gaillard: I am really happy with my race and my second podium place in my career.

FIS CC News: You changed your equipment at the beginning of the season, could that be a reason for your great performances in the Tour and here in Whistler?

Jean Marc Gaillard: Yes, that is right, I changed my equipment after Gaellivare and now I am racing with Fischer skis and shoes. Both fit me very well and I think the change is one reason for my good results. The equipment from Fischer is not totally new for me; I was under contract with them until 2006.

FIS CC News: What are your further plans heading up to Liberec?

Jean Marc Gaillard: First of all I will skip Otepaeae to recover a bit from the Tour and the travel to Whistler. In Rybinsk I will race my next World Cup competitions and go afterwards to the training camp on Alpe di Siusi.

FIS CC News: Last year, you won the free technique distance race in Liberec during the Pre-World Championship World Cups. Do you feel now more pressure on you for the World Championships?

Jean Marc Gaillard: I don't think so. It is for sure not bad to have such good memories from the race in Liberec like I have after having my first victory in my career there. The official selection for Liberec is not done so far but I think I am selected after my podium spot;-) The race formats where I will start will be decided later during our training camp in Italy.