Rebecca Dussault won three races at US Nationals, more than anyone else. We caught up with Rebecca to get her thoughts on her week at Soldier Hollow.
You raced four races at Nationals. Among Americans, you finished 1st in
three races and third in the other. That's very impressive. How do you feel
about your week?
I was very happy with the races. I met my goal of Grand National Champion
for the second year in a row. I started to feel better as the week went on.
The competition at Nationals is so fierce that you've got to be prepared to
give 100% effort in each race. I had hoped to win the sprint also, but I guess
you can't win 'em all!
. That's<br />
pretty high praise, both for her and for you. Can you tell us a little bit about<br />
the sprint?</b><br />
Well, I would have to agree on that. Silly as it may be, that sounds like my<br />
usual strategy. I know that Lindsay has been coming on really strong in the<br />
last couple of seasons. This wasn't the first time that she sprinted really<br />
well against the whole field. I just didn't quite have it, on that day. My “lead<br />
it and own it” tactic probably wasn't the smartest because of the strong<br />
headwinds, but I didn't want to risk not getting around the other women before<br />
the line. I think sprints are much messier in the back than in the front, so<br />
for now you'll see me in the front.<br />
<b><br />
You put on a very impressive display in winning the Pursuit race. What was your<br />
strategy for that race?</b><br />
If you had asked me the morning of the race I would have said, “I'm praying<br />
that it gets cancelled, so I can go back to bed.” However, once I arrived<br />
at the venue and saw the excitement that somehow still permeated a couple of<br />
the racers faces, then I thought I had better get my act together. I was also<br />
pleased to know that we would get a chance to race on a different course rather<br />
than the grueling 7.5 km loop originally planned. I decided not to wimp out<br />
but to have fun and use it as character building. As the race unfolded I relied<br />
on using a relaxed efficient technique. I would be remiss if I didn't also mention<br />
that our wax tech Chris Hall, gave me a rocket pair of skis which played a huge<br />
role in my success.<br /><BR><center><img src=)
Wendy Wagner (the only other woman on the US Team) went to Europe early this
year, but you stayed in the US and races the SuperTour. Do you think that was
the best thing for you or would you have liked to have gone to Europe?
Since, I am dedicated to traveling with my family in tow, it would not have
been possible to be abroad for 4-5 months. I am happy that I stayed in the U.S.
and fine tuned my racing before it's “game on” in Europe. I will add
to that, that it makes me hungry for international competition, so hopefully
all my anxious anticipation will pay off in some great racing.
What is your plan for the next month or so before World Championships?
It is yet to be determined. I will say that I plan on not wearing myself out
before hand by training to hard or not recovering appropriately. I want World
Cup points in every race I enter this year and I believe that it's possible.
What are your goals for the World Championships and the rest of the season?
My goal for World Champs is to break into the top 15 in one race. I was knocking
on the door of top 20 last year according to time back. I am stronger and healthier
this time around, so it should be interesting to see how it unfolds. I will
most likely return to the states at the end of February and then gear up for
Spring Series and perhaps the Gold Rush.
Will your family be going to Europe with you?
Most definitely!
Thanks and good luck.
.
