These short breaks are important for a head coach. They allow us to stand back from the World Cup and to take some time in order to manage all the other projects we are responsible for.
Indeed, after three weeks away from the federation office, i t was due time to get back to work on administrative tasks: answering late emails and letters, figuring out where we stand budget-wise and of course getting everything sorted out for all the events that are yet to come, including of course the Olympic Games.
This pause also afforded me the opportunity to attend the French season opener: the first stage of our national cross country and biathlon racing tour. These races were also used as selections for both the first two Alpen Cup stages and the Junior World Championships. I was thus able to not only see the young generation race but also to meet with the regional coaches, elected representatives and federation partners that were present. All in all, it was a great way to take stock of the state of cross country skiing in France at the start of the season.
This week-end away from the World Cup was also an opportunity to make an assessment of the first races. Across the first three World Cups, most competition formats have been tested. Not only was each race won by a different competitor, but these races were closer than ever. This goes to show that the field is denser than it's ever been and that you need to be at your absolute best to hope for a good result. Thanks to Vincent's second place in Beitostolen, the French team is off to a great start this season. He showed the whole team that even though our global results aren't as good as we'd hoped, there is absolutely no reason to have any doubts concerning the quality our preparation.
Tomorrow will find us in our van, on the road to Davos. Racing in middle Europe means higher altitudes which could change things. Maybe we will see more middle Europe racers in the top spots : Swiss, Italians and hopefully .... French !!!
