Event
Winter Time
Publié le Friday 31 March 2023

The curtain has come down on the French Elite Alpine Skiing Championships, which took place from March 23 to 30 in Les Orres. A week of fierce competition that brought together the best French skiers, including Alexis Pinturault, Tessa Worley, Clément Noël and Johan Clarey. Let's take a look back at the past few days, marked by exciting races that crowned numerous champions, but also on a piste that was unanimously acclaimed by the alpine skiing elite!

A week of high-flying championships

At the end of a week of competition, the balance sheet is very positive for the championships organizers. Preparations ahead of the competition were meticulous, guaranteeing optimal conditions for athletes and spectators alike. Thanks to the collective efforts of all the teams from the resort, SCOCE, Les Orres commune, ESF, Lycée Alpes Durance and ESI, as well as numerous volunteers, racing conditions were ideal in every respect.

In a few figures :

  • 7 days of racing
  • 250 competitors
  • 5 disciplines: Slalom, Super-G, Giant, Downhill, Combined
  • Over 1000 supporters
  • 17 podium finishes (> All results)
  • 120 volunteers
  • Peak speeds in excess of 140km/h

Olympic-caliber slope acclaimed by top skiers

The La Pousterle piste was one of the highlights of the competition. This fast, technical track put the skiers' skills to the test. The banked sections and tight turns demanded great precision and impeccable technique. The athletes were unanimous in their praise for the quality of the piste, which had been perfectly prepared and adjusted to cope with the week's numerous weather contingencies.

"La Pousterle is well known in the ski world. I'd never had the chance to ski it before and it's a wonderful discovery for me. It's one of the best runs in France, and we'd like to see more competition there, whether it's FIS or European Cup. It's more than capable of hosting European Cups on a regular basis, and it would be a great omen for the youngest skiers and the French team to be able to come and train on this run on a regular basis

Alexis Pinturault, double world champion and holder of 6 crystal globes

For the champions, the event was an opportunity to shine and prove their talent, like Clément Noël, winner of the Slalom, who praised the"complicated and demanding, multi-faceted" slope. For the other skiers, it was an opportunity to measure themselves against the best and progress.

Ensuring the next generation of skiing stars

The championships were marked by 4 retirements: Tessa Worley, Nastasia Noens, Johan Clarey and Thomas Pasquier. A trophy was presented to them on behalf of Les Orres to thank them and congratulate them on their exemplary careers.

These careers have inspired the youngest skiers from the many ski schools and clubs who came to support the competitors, as well as the rising stars of the French team. Tiffany Roux from Le Sauze and Tea Lamboray from Les Orres left their mark on the competition, finishing as French champion and vice-champion respectively. Tessa Worley, the grande dame of skiing, didn't hesitate to raise her spatulas at the finish of her last giant slalom race, to make way for the up-and-coming and promising French skiers who will take over from her in future competitions

Les Orres, France's leading alpine skiing destination

Beyond individual performances, these championships also showcased French alpine skiing in all its diversity and richness. The resort of Les Orres confirmed its position as one of France's leading alpine ski destinations, offering a piste with Olympic resonance, motivated and committed teams and a warm welcome. The French Elite Alpine Ski Championships were a unique opportunity to showcase the resort's assets, which will undoubtedly attract new high-flying competitions in the years to come. To be continued...

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