2023-12-27 09:29:56
His contact with the World Cup so far has been limited to downhill training in Zermatt/Cervinia in November. But if he had obtained his ticket for the “easy” Valais-Aosta Valley descent, Christophe Torrent had, like the entire White Circus, to return empty-handed from the foot of the Matterhorn. This Tuesday, in Bormio, he experienced a real baptism of fire, on a track renowned as one of the most complicated on the circuit, which is also particularly icy.
“Overall, I would say that it was simpler than I had imagined after the reconnaissance, precise, satisfied, the Valaisan. I’m really happy because I tell myself that if in Bormio, I feel that it wasn’t too difficult for me, I will be able to ski everywhere, on all the World Cup slopes. It’s a very important lesson mentally because I didn’t really know what to expect.” Christophe Torrent took 59th place, almost 5 seconds behind the fastest Cyprien Sarrazin during this first training session.
“A huge margin for improvement”
The enormous distance between the European Cup and the World Cup does not scare the 24-year-old skier. “It’s very different but I think that the elite tracks suit me quite well thanks to my qualities,” he says without any arrogance. Technically, I am solid and on steep and icy slopes, that’s where I manage to express myself best.” Enough to succeed in finding a place in the sun this Wednesday, while the times that will count for the coaches will be those recorded in the 4th or 5th intermediate, so as not to “burn” the athletes before the descent on Thursday? “I’m going to give everything and come what may,” explains the athlete sponsored by his Anzère station. Tuesday was more of a test, a discovery. I think I have huge room for improvement, which is very positive.”
If he has to fight this Wednesday during the second training session for one of the last two tickets available for the descent with Arnaud Boisset, Ralph Weber and Lars Rösti, Christophe Torrent was able to take advantage of this selection like a Christmas present. “I spent Christmas at home but it’s true that it was a bit short because we had to leave on the morning of the 25th,” he laughs. But some people are used to it.” The Valaisan had asked to be informed somewhat in advance of his possible selection, in order to organize and prepare both physically and mentally in advance. He thus learned of the choice of coaches on December 20. “Coming to Bormio is not just anything,” he explains. You have to prepare in advance. “
Back problems behind him
Disturbed at the beginning of December by back problems, Christophe Torrent is now fully recovered. “It was only muscle tension, I was blocked, but I no longer have any pain,” rejoices the skier from Arbaz, who took a week’s break after the cancellation of the Cup super-G of Europe from Zinal, December 8. “At that moment, I was quite happy that the race was canceled because I wasn’t necessarily ready,” he smiles. And when I returned from this break during which I was able to relax my muscles, I was able to ski liberated.”
Enough to take solid 13th and 9th places during the descents of Santa Caterina, on a track which is not necessarily the most favorable to his abilities.
Laurent Morel, Bormio
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