There must be something magical in Lahti for the French team. After tame results during the season France celebrated yesterday second and third place thanks to Maurice Manificat and Vincent Vittoz.
Maurice Manificat won here last year and yesterday he clinched second podium this season. For both Manificat and Vittoz it was the season best in yesterday’s Pursuit. “I was quite far from the lead after the classical part. I was losing 35 seconds at the exchange and thought could forget the podium, but I believed in my chances until the end. When I get on skates, I saw right away that I had good skis and then came back quickly,” explained Manificat.
The third place was for Vincent Vittoz true satisfaction. After difficult season with injuries and illnesses Vittoz scored the first podium. “I feel really good after yesterday. Especially by knowing how difficult season I had. It also a response to those who did not believe in our team after the World Champs,” said Vincent Vittoz.
The Frenchmen now look forward to the final phase of the World Cup in Sweden. “I’m still motivated and eager to fight in Stockholm and Falun,” concluded Manificat.
