Malorie Blanc: “The most beautiful slope on the circuit”

Her last competitive turns in Crans-Montana had ended badly. Nearly two years ago, Malorie Blanc injured her left knee there, at the end of an intense sequence combining the Junior World Championships and the European Cup on the Haut-Plateau. Today, it is with a broad smile that the skier from Ayent returns to Crans-Montana, just a few kilometres from home, to contest her first World Cup races.

Malorie Blanc, what does it mean to race in your first World Cup events at home?

I’m really looking forward to it. It’s true that there was that feeling of unfinished business two years ago. It feels like a long time ago. It’s really great to be back here. And the World Cup is still very different from the European Cup. For me, it’s pure joy.

Did you feel any apprehension before the first training session?

No, not at all. I had almost forgotten about it. The first time we came back on the slope was last week during training. At the Trou du Renard, I thought, “Right, this is where something did happen.” I felt a bit of respect at first, but it quickly faded. The conditions at the time of my injury were very particular, and I was tired. Today, I feel physically ready, so it’s a completely different story. So much has happened since then. And I already loved this slope before. I’d even say it was maybe the best place to get injured (smiles).

Have you been able to enjoy spending a bit of time at home?

Yes, and it feels incredibly good. After Tarvisio, I needed some fresh air. We had two days at home before coming back to Crans-Montana to train. It brought me back to my childhood. Leaving home in the morning, driving up, arriving here and meeting volunteers I know, it’s fantastic. Even today, I saw two or three people from my village at the start. It’s really funny. I feel like I’m going back to my childhood, and it’s so nice.

You already came to the races here as a child. What memories do you have?

I remember waiting for the athletes at the finish. And when some of them didn’t stop, it was a huge disappointment. We would say, “She’s not cool.” So today, I always try to stop when there are kids. Last year, I came to watch the men’s races here, and there was such enthusiasm. Luckily, I had some small cards to hand out, because people were really happy to see me. It means a lot to me.

You don’t remember Lindsey Vonn’s victory here in 2008?

(Laughs) If my calculations are right, I was four years old, so no, I don’t remember.

More seriously, what can you tell us about the Mont Lachaux slope?

I’ve known it for a long time, but starting there in the World Cup is a different dimension. I find it incredible. There’s everything, turns where you really have to dare to attack, gliding sections. I think it can suit everyone. For me, it’s the most beautiful slope on the circuit, even if I’m probably not very objective. In any case, I really love it. I’m going to try to enjoy it as much as possible and express my skiing in the best way on a slope that can really suit me.

In what frame of mind are you arriving in Crans-Montana, in a somewhat particular context?

I know there will be a lot of people, many from my region. I’d like to share emotions with them, but above all I focus on my skiing. As for the atmosphere in Crans-Montana, I’ve spoken with people from here who say that these races do some good and bring a breath of fresh air. If we can offer a special moment, that’s something that matters to me. I’m really happy that these races are taking place.

There is also a strong sense of solidarity around the destination…

Yes, clearly. There’s a great atmosphere, you can feel that people are thinking of Crans-Montana. It shows that we are united and facing things together. But out of respect for the families, we shouldn’t stir things up. Keeping them in our thoughts is all we can do.

Are the Olympic Games already somewhere in the back of your mind?

We went to pick up the outfits in Zurich, so that definitely gives a first taste. But here, there are races to compete in first. I feel like I’ll really be able to enjoy myself and have fun. I’m focusing on this weekend, which will be very intense emotionally and energetically.

A World Cup at home, the Olympic Games… do you sometimes have to pinch yourself to believe it?

When I look back here, it feels very strange. At that finish area, I was on a sled two years ago. So much has happened since then. It almost makes you dizzy. But I try to look ahead and not think too much. I come from a small resort nearby, the journey has been long. I’ve been on skis for a very long time. Today, it’s pure happiness, and I’m extremely grateful that things are unfolding this way.

You now have a new status in the speed team. An entire country is behind you. Do you think about it sometimes?

There are probably a lot of people hoping for good results, but I try to stay realistic and keep my feet on the ground. It’s only my second season on the World Cup circuit. You have to take things as they come and give your best. Of course, I have ambitions for the future, but I’m thinking long term. My goal is to establish myself sustainably on the World Cup, not to produce a one-off result. I’d like to step onto the podium several times during my career. If it’s not tomorrow, maybe it will be in two years.