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From the FasterSkier archive — posts syndicated from athletes’ and coaches’ own blogs between 2004 and 2012, kept online as published. Current coverage is at fasterskier.com.

Tag: Praz de Lys

Under 23 Questions: Catherine Reed-Métayer

Catherine Reed-Métayer (Skibec Nordique) racing at the Eastern Cup opener in Fort Kent, Maine. (Courtesy photo)

In an effort to showcase the North Americans who competed at last week’s International Ski Federation (FIS) 2018 Nordic Junior/U23 World Championships in Goms, Switzerland, we asked those qualifying athletes several questions about themselves — actually, we had them fill in the blanks. Here we have 19-year-old Catherine Reed-Métayer, of Skibec Nordique, who represented Canada at her first Junior Worlds.

Last week in Goms, Reed-Métayer placed 56th in the freestyle sprint and 62nd in the 10 k skiathlon.

***

“My full name is Catherine, but you can call me 4.

I was born and raised in St-Ferréol-les-Neiges, Quebec, and I learned to ski at 4 years old.

Catherine Reed-Métayer (Skibec Nordique) during a training day last month in Praz de Lys, France. (Courtesy photo)

I spent the time between Mont Sainte-Anne trials and Junior/U23 Worlds eating mousse au chocolat at Le Taconet in Praz de Lys, France.

The most memorable workout I did in the last training year to prepare for this was a 3-hour ski in June on top of Whistler Blackcomb when we bonked hard but we had Scooby snacks and lucky charm bars to rely on with hangry Katie Weaver.

This is my first time in Switzerland and first time racing internationally, and so far it’s been sketchy.

One difference I’ve noticed between Switzerland and Canada is that they have emergency raclette kits in convenience stores, just in case.

Skiing and racing in the Alps is just as sweet as a baby golden retriever. Usually racing at altitude is funny for me because je suis dans le tapis ben raide. There are short mountains around where I live.

One of the things I’m most excited about for Junior/U23 Worlds in Goms is learning Russian slang.

One race I’m especially targeting there is all of them.

I really hope I can chat/make friends with someone from Canada and ask them how was their day.

My favorite thing at the breakfast where we are staying is eating.

Fondue is a French word indicating un mets à base de fromage fondu dans lequel on trempe des morceaux de pain. The cheese here is cheesy. And the chocolate is undiscovered… yet.

If I had a totally free day here and didn’t have to worry about race fitness or training, I’d spend it with you my friend.

The best way to follow me on social media is on Instagram @cathreedmet.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/Beta1p4FNNW/?taken-by=cathreedmet

February 4, 2018
Under 23 Questions: Maya MacIsaac-Jones

Maya MacIsaac-Jones (Rocky Mountain Racers/Canadian U25 Team) racing to fourth in the women’s 10 k classic on Jan. 10 at NorAm Olympic trials in Mont Sainte-Anne, Quebec. (Photo: Mario Walker)

In an effort to showcase the North Americans competing at this week’s International Ski Federation (FIS) 2018 Nordic Junior/U23 World Championships in Goms, Switzerland, we asked those qualifying athletes several questions about themselves — actually, we had them fill in the blanks. Here we have 22-year-old Maya MacIsaac-Jones, of the Canadian National U25 Team and Rocky Mountain Racers, who’s representing Canada at her second U23 Worlds.

On Monday, MacIsaac-Jones placed 18th overall in the women’s freestyle sprint on the first day of U23 World Championships, which is her first individual top 20 at the Junior or U23 World Championships level.

***

“My full name is Maya Anna-Christina MacIsaac-Jones, but you can call me Maya.

Maya MacIsaac-Jones in Goms, Switzerland, two days before the firs race of 2018 U23 World Championships on Monday. (Photo: Maya MacIsaac-Jones/Instagram)

I was born and raised in Athabasca, Alberta, and I learned to ski at our family’s farm (while imagining I was either Sara Renner or Beckie Scott).

I spent the time between Mont Sainte-Anne trials and Junior/U23 Worlds in Chelsea, Quebec, and then in Praz-de-Lys, France with Team Canada.

The strangest workout I did in the last training year to prepare for this was swimming intensity that included butterfly (a.k.a. trying not to drown).

This is my first time in Switzerland and fifth time racing internationally, and so far it’s been easier to adjust to jet lag.

One difference I’ve noticed between Switzerland and Canada is that the people here are fluent in so many more languages.

Skiing and racing in the Alps makes me feel like I’m in the Sound of Music. Usually racing at altitude is hard but manageable for me because I live and train at altitude in the summer. There are lots of mountains around where I live.

One of the things I’m most excited about for Junior/U23 Worlds in Goms is cheering on our speedy Juniors in the relay.

One race I’m especially targeting there is the skate sprint.

I really hope I can chat/make friends with someone from Team USA and ask them if the old Taylor really is dead.

My favorite thing at the breakfast where we are staying is the abundance of kiwis (the fruit, not the people).

Fondue is delicious. The cheese here is great. And the chocolate is to die for.

If I had a totally free day here and didn’t have to worry about race fitness or training, I’d spend it adventuring on skinny skis with a thermos of hot chocolate and some Brie & baguette.

The best way to follow me on social media is on Facebook (Maya MacIsaac-Jones), Instagram (@mayamacisaacjones), and Twitter (@_MayaMJ).”

January 29, 2018
Under 23 Questions: Félix Longpré

Félix Longpré (c) with his Canadian teammates Étienne Hébert and Philippe Boucher during their pre-Junior Worlds training camp in Praz de Lys, France, last week. (Photo: Alexandra Racine)

In an effort to showcase the North Americans competing at next week’s International Ski Federation (FIS) 2018 Nordic Junior/U23 World Championships in Goms, Switzerland, we asked those qualifying athletes several questions about themselves — actually, we had them fill in the blanks. Here we have 19-year-old Félix Longpré, of Club Nordique Mont-Sainte-Anne, who’s representing Canada at his first Junior Worlds.

***

“My full name is Félix Longpré, but you can call me anytime.

Félix Longpré (Club Nordique MSA) racing at a Quebec Cup last year at Mont Sainte-Anne. (Courtesy photo)

I was born and raised in St-Ferréol-les-Neiges, and I learned to ski at Mont Sainte-Anne. The club I currently train with is Club Nordique MSA.

I spent the time between Mont Sainte-Anne trials and Junior/U23 Worlds in Praz de Lys, France.

The hardest workout I did in the last training year to prepare for this was “Fred’s xtreme core ripper mega beach body 3000” with Fred Touchette.

This is my first time in Switzerland and first time racing internationally, and so far it’s been a great trip.

One difference I’ve noticed between Europe and Canada is the tolerance about nordic skiers in the alpine trails.

Skiing and racing in the Alps is spectacular. Usually racing at altitude is easy for me because you don’t need that much oxygen when you don’t have that many muscles. There is ONE mountain around where I live.

One of the things I’m most excited about for Junior/U23 Worlds in Goms is experiencing how fast the Russians start a 20k.

One race I’m especially targeting there is the skiathlon.

I really hope I can chat/make friends with someone from Scandinavia because you never know when that might be useful.

My favorite thing at the breakfast where we are staying is having cheese in the morning.

Fondue is dangerous for the shape so I try to stay away from it. The cheese here is everywhere. And the chocolate mousse is the best dessert ever.

If I had a totally free day here and didn’t have to worry about race fitness or training, I’d spend it ski touring.

The best way to follow me on social media is on Instagram @felixlongpre. (You can also follow me on the trails if you don’t step on the back of my skis when I stride, thanks!)”

January 26, 2018