Like the main prospect, Sébastien Cros expressed disappointment and surprise at Kim Boutin’s performance over the weekend at the first World Cup of the season, but didn’t hit the panic button.
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Boutin qualified for the B final in her first 1,000m on Saturday and was eliminated in the second round in the quarterfinals the following day.
“I’m disappointed and surprised because she did well in training for the last two weeks and we expected more, but I’m not worried,” said the head coach of the Canadian team. It’s the same scenario as last year at the first World Cup in Japan. »
“In both instances, Kim was not fully rested and had fewer legs as the pace picked up towards the end of the race,” Cros continued. Its sharpening phase is longer. It’s the second summer we’ve been training together and the same pattern is repeating itself. We’ve worked harder this summer than last year to improve some points, and that comes with risks. Kim is very explosive and it will take a little more sharpening in the front to get it fresher at the end as the speed increases. »
lessons for the future
Cros believes there are still positive lessons to be learned from this experience.
“It’s almost a blessing in disguise because we’re getting a better reading. The information will be useful later. Athletes are pushed to their limits while being given time to recover. Kim had some good races earlier in the day but it was difficult to continue. The answer varies from athlete to athlete. »
The Canada team’s coach believes the Sherbrooke skater could bounce back as soon as possible if Salt Lake City hosts the second World Cup stop of the season, but warns that won’t be the case. Rest is the order of the day for the next few days.
“It’s possible she’ll show better form in Salt Lake City, but there’s no guarantee she’ll be at her best,” Cros said. It can change very quickly. It was hell on Thursday and Friday at the fourth World Championships in the Netherlands last year, but she almost broke her 500m world record on Saturday and edged out Suzanne Schulting to finish second in the 1000m on Sunday. »
normal reaction
Cros understands Boutin’s reaction.
“She would have liked to have gone into the Montreal party with good performances, but it’s important to take a step back. The challenge is not to panic and stay confident. »
The plan for this second World Cup stop has not changed.
“We are keeping the original plan for Kim, which is to run 500m. We will be flexible. If she goes up and there are good chances we will proceed with the starting plan otherwise we will advise if she is too tired. We will choose the best solution with the aim of making it better during stages 3 and 4 of the World Cup. The freshness must return. »
Sébastien Cros praises the boldness of his skaters
Alongside Steven Dubois and Pascal Dion’s gold medals, the Canada team’s head coach retains a key element.
“The highlight of the weekend is the attitude of our skaters,” said Sébastien Cros. They were bold and fearless. You have to take risks to win a medal and I liked the spirit and commitment of the athletes. »
Cros liked what he saw of rookie Mathieu Pelletier, who competed in his first career World Cup at 16 and reached the A-final in the 500m, and Claudia Gagnon, who made a comeback.
“After returning to the top level, Claudia was unimpressed as she passed two of the best skaters in the world in the 1500m final,” he said. Mathieu has also shown that he wasn’t afraid even when playing his first World Cup. »
Different strategy
As the reigning 1,000m World Cup champion, Dion took a different approach that Cros appreciated.
“Last year Pascal put a lot of energy at the front of the race hoping to win, but at the end he didn’t have the juice,” he explained. This weekend he was also aiming for the win but stuck in traffic and finished strong with an overtake with three laps to go to win the 1000m. The balance between the two is quite fine. »
A well-stocked toolbox is necessary to win races.
“With Short Track you need the whole palette,” he imagined. If everything is based on the physical aspect, which is important, you will not last long and will not be able to do anything on a day when you are not in good shape. Technique is important and strategy is very important. »
Risky overtaking
Like Dion’s teammates, the Canadian team coach did not blame him for taking a big risk in the 5000m relay final. The Canadian squadron was in third place with eight laps to go when Dion passed the Italian on the outside before slipping inside to give the Korean the same medicine, but the ice gave way under his skates.
Canada won bronze due to Italy’s disqualification.
“If you want to win races, you have to take risks. If you don’t try, you will be left behind. If you repeat this type of overtaking, you will master it. Suzanne Schulting and Arianna Fontana were disqualified and often fell before overpowering him. You have to try things. »