17 Questions for 2017: Cendrine Browne

Welcome to “17 Questions for 2017″, where we are catching up with American and Canadian national-team members before the beginning of the winter season. 

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Cendrine Browne raced her first World Cup back in December 2012, on home turf in Quebec. She was 19 — and finished 59th in the skate sprint qualifier.

When the World Cup swung back around to Quebec last season as part of the Ski Tour Canada, Browne had come a long way. She had since notched a 15th-place finish at World Juniors in 2013, notched several of top-30 U23 World Championships performances, and competed in a handful of European World Cups as well as myriad continental cup races. This time around, Browne finished 40th in the Ski Tour Canada, the second Canadian woman in the rankings behind Emily Nishikawa.

A member of Canada’s senior national team, the 23-year-old tackled our 17 Questions after a training camp in Park City, Utah.

1. Biggest change in your life in the last five or so months since the ski season ended?

I got the opportunity to be on the World Cup circuit this season! I’m really excited about that!

2. Biggest change in your training?

My coach and I are trying something different this year. My plan changed a little, lets hope it works well!

3. Major areas of improvement you’ve seen so far?

My classic technique has improved a lot since last year. Before I was only comfortable skating but now I’m comfortable in both styles.

4. Whom you’ve been working closest with this offseason (coaches or training partners)?

My personal coach is now Louis Bouchard and that’s a new and exciting change. I’ve been working hard with Louis during the offseason.

5. Best trip in the last five months (and why)?

I just left Park City and that was the best trip so far but there are lots more to come during the winter! Park City is so nice and full of colors during fall. We took so many nice pictures!

6. Favorite cross-training?

I really like road biking. If I wasn’t a cross country skier, I would probably be a road biker!

7. Favorite non-athletic activity or pastime this summer?

I like to do camping with my boyfriend and discover new places!

8. Song that was your jam this summer?

Killem’ with kindness

9. All time favorite race moment?

When I came in 15th at World Juniors in 2013 in Liberec.

10. First thing you pack in your bag when you leave for Europe?

All the nice casual clothes I want to wear while I’m gone. The girls always tease me about that, but I love having a nice selection of clothes with me when I’m gone for a long time!

11. Venue/event you’re most excited to visit this season?

I’m really excited to go to Norway for the World Cup! I’ve been dreaming to go to Norway for a long time.

12. Who will win the men’s and women’s World Cup titles this year?

Well I thought Johaug would win the overall title but she just got caught for doping… On the men’s side, I would tend to say Sundby but because of all the stuff that happened with the Norwegians lately, I’m not sure for which athletes I’m going for anymore.

13. Biggest sacrifice you feel you’ve made choosing this career path?

I had to move away from home to go train with the Centre National d’Entrainement Pierre Harvey when I was 18. My family and boyfriend stayed behind. That was very hard for me at the beginning.

14. If you could change one thing about your sport, what would it be?

I would take back the rule on double-poling!

15. What did you have for breakfast this morning?

I had a fruit and granola parfait at the aeroport!

16. In 5 years, I’ll be ____?

An Olympian

17. In 50 years, I’ll be ____?

A mother, I’ll have a successful career and life full of good memories!