The Quebecers dominated qualifying for the Snowboard Cross World Cup in Mont-Sainte-Anne on Friday.
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Team Canada’s coaches felt earlier this week that this was a course that suited Éliot Grondin well and they were right.
As for the main prospect, he preferred to wait for qualification before making a final decision, but he agreed with his coaches’ judgement.
“I like the start,” emphasized the Vice Olympic Champion with a slight smile. Saying goodbye is my forte. If I start the race that well on Saturday and keep pushing, I can stay in the lead from start to finish. »
With starting number one, Grondin has the privilege of choosing the right door for each race in the elimination table of the 32 runners.
Beyond the start, Grondin was enthralled with the entire course.
“This is the most beautiful course of the season. I hope Mont-Sainte-Anne becomes an annual stop. This is also the wish of all runners. »
Even if he plays his first World Cup at home, the Beauceron snowboarder wants to keep his routine.
“I didn’t have any particular emotions at the start. Yes, I’m home, but I’m preparing as if we were in Europe. »
The presence of young people from the Quebec team brought back good memories: when he showed up at Stoneham to compete in the World Cup in the 2010s. “If I’m here now it’s because I watched races at Stoneham when I was young,” he said. I had stars in my eyes when I saw Dominique Maltais. I met Dom earlier. I hope I can inspire as many young people as possible. »
A first for McManiman
Audrey McManiman didn’t want to be outdone by her compatriot and also dominated qualifying. She flashed her best smile as she hit the media.
“It’s the first time I’ve finished first in qualifying,” she said. I’m really happy and it’s really exciting to wear race number one. »
“I knew I had a chance to set a good time because they set the course after the men’s qualifiers and I had to go first, but I didn’t think I was going to finish first.” Student of Kinesiology at the University of Laval. I had the perfect track to put in a good time. »
A perfect descent?
“I made two small mistakes. The snow was sticky and I let go of my board. I had to avoid being too aggressive in the corners. I focused on making smooth turns. Since the start was crucial, the athletes had to give their all in the first few moments of the race.
“We had no room for error,” said the only Canadian to finish in the top 16. There are good holes and it’s possible to lack speed if you miss synchronization or miss transitions. It’s a more technical start than in the World Championship. »
An Italian in the Canadian clan
BEAUPRÉ | The spirit of adventure has allowed Snowboard Canada to land a renowned assistant head coach who has worked with a four-time world champion and an Olympic gold medalist during his career.
Olympian at the 2006 Torino and 2010 Vancouver Games, and with an 11-year career in the World Cup, Italy’s Simone Malusa turned to coaching when he gave up his career.
In particular, he cited the Spaniards Lucas Eguibar, who won the World Cup four times, and Regino Hernandez, winner of bronze at the Pyeongchang Games in 2018. “I wanted to experience a different culture,” Malusa emphasized, explaining his decision to himself to join the Canadian team last June. The dynamic is easier in Europe as the logistics and travel are easier and I wanted to see how I could take a North American team forward. »
Next year again
Malusa shares command with ex-Olympian Maëlle Ricker. The 49-year-old Italian is satisfied with this first season. “It’s a challenge I’ve wanted to take on for years,” he said in excellent French. There is a lot of logistics and Canada really deserved its good results. »
“I will come back next year to do our big project to continue Malusa. This major project is set to win medals at the Milan-Cortina Games in 2026.”
Malusa was thus able to take part in the games in his home country under the Canadian colors. “The job is the job,” he summed up. When I accept a challenge, it becomes my country. It’s funny because I’ve always had good results as a runner in Canada. I remember a win at Whistler. I have good memories of Canada. »
Don’t worry about Grondin
Malusa is not worried about Eliot Grondin, who has had a difficult season after winning two medals at the Beijing Olympics in February 2022.
“His talent remains the same. In a post-Olympic year when motivation is more difficult, Eliot experienced episodes of four or five races (collision) and had to adjust to new material. Furious after the events, Grondin understands the decision of the FIS.
“I understand the decision respecting the rule, but the rule is not well written. Sometimes it takes an incident like this to wake people up. Our meeting on Wednesday will help change things. »