Remarks collected by Jean-Michel Lachance

Traducted by Gabrielle De Billy Brown

How did the Olympic Tryout go for you?

I would say that, all in all, it went pretty well. On the first day, I’ve had 2 very good 500m, even if I didn’t get the standard in this distance. After that, there were the 1500m and the 1000m left. The 1500m wasn’t the best race of my life, even though I’ve beaten my best time. My 1000m was excellent another personal best… just no Olympic qualification. I’m a bit disappointed, but I still did really strong races. It’s a bit of a mixed feeling, really… haha!

What do you intent to do for the rest of the season?

Last week end, I did the Sprint World Championship, in Heerenveen. And next week, I’ll be in Collalbo, Italy, for the Sprint World Cup. Afterwards, technically, my season will be over. I’ll probably participate in a couple of races in Canada, just for fun, like the Championnats québécois par distance (“Quebec Distance Championship”) and the 3rd Canada cup event, in Sainte-Foy.

They say that, at 1,94m, you’re the tallest skater around. Is that an advantage for you?

Haha, yeah, I believe so. Although I have to use my height the right way. It may be fun to have the longest legs, but if you only push with half of their length, it’s all for nothing. I need to learn to use this the best I can. It gives me a somewhat special style, I never look like I’m going very fast… people tell me all the time I’m “smooth” when I actually feel like I’m giving all I have! At least, my height isn’t a disadvantage!

Can you tell us about the program you’ve followed with your coaches over the last year?

I’m generally very satisfied with the program I’ve followed with my coaches this year. We’ve worked really hard this summer and it showed at the Olympic tryouts. I have to say that I was a bit behind when the Fall Tryouts occurred, probably because of over-training. Both my coaches AND me take the blame for that. It taught me a lot. What we did after that was excellent, and I was ready for the December tryouts. My 2 good friends (Vincent Labrie and Francois-Olivier Roberge) will tell you the same thing… we have extremely competent coaches in Québec. What we need, is an oval!

A year ago, you did track cycling, and, with the CNGB group, you also practised on track. Is it a good complement to long track speed skating?

Well, of course, it’s missing all the technical elements of skating, but on a physical side, you work in the same energetic systems. It’s a really good way of doing something specific to speed skating without necessarily being on the ice, which is good sometimes. I’ve fallen in love with track cycling. I’ve even bought a bike, and I’m currently planning my trip to participate in the national track cycling championships, in July.

Continuation of the interview tomorow