Third World Cup weekend in La Clusaz
The Viessmann FIS Cross-Country World Cup will continue in La Clusaz (FRA, Haute Savoie), the hometown of the top French skier Vincent Vittoz this coming weekend. The Cross-Country stadium on the high plateau “Les Confins” (1450m) already has 35 cm of natural snow and the courses of 2.5 km and 3.75 km are ready to host the World Cup family.
“We are looking forward to our fourth Cross-Country World Cup weekend. We have enough natural snow and also have artificial snow reserves. At the moment, we have -5 C and for the end of this week, we expect some snowfall,” said Pierre Gay-Perret, Chief of Competition in La Clusaz. The OC provides for the expected 10'000 spectators per day a great Cross-Country festival with free-of-charge entry to the competition venue at Les Confins.
On the schedule in La Clusaz are the first mass start events of this season: 15 km (ladies) and 30 km (men) in the free technique on Saturday, 6th December and relay competitions on Sunday.
The 33-year-old Vittoz belongs to the ranks of World Cup ski veterans. In 156 World Cup starts, he has collected 7 victories, 18 podiums and, last but not least, he won the Pursuit race in the 2005 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships. FIS Cross-Country News had the opportunity to speak briefly with the home favorite.
FIS CC NEWS: The next Viessmann FIS World Cup event will be in your home town in La Clusaz. The spectators expect a lot from you. Are you satisfied with your preparation & results so far this season?
Vincent Vittoz: I had a good preparation in the last months and especially during the last training camps on the glaciers. I trained especially for this stage in La Clusaz which is one of my main goals for the beginning of the season. I had a good feeling in free technique in Gaellivare and I hope to be in my top shape in La Clusaz at home with all our supporters.
FIS CC News: What are your expectations for the upcoming World Cup weekend?
I would like to fight for the podium in both races and expect a lot of spectators to cheer us around the course and create a great atmosphere.
FIS CC News: We have several season highlights like the Viessmann FIS Tour de Ski, the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships in Liberec and the overall World Cup. Which one is your main focus this season?
Clearly the World Ski Championships in Liberec because the Tour de Ski formats and styles do not favor me; there is, I think, too much classical technique and I'm not a sprinter. The overall World Cup is interesting but the way is long and complicated. You have to be on the top the whole season which is why it's actually better for me to try to be on the top on the D-day (decision day) in Liberec.
