Two world championship titles (on the parallel and in giant), a second place then a victory in Bansko (Bulgaria) in the World Cup… The last ten days of the career of Mathieu Faivre (29 years old) were more than auspicious !
"If I had been told that at the start of the season, I would not have believed it", summarized the Niçois after his giant success this Sunday.
Before this incredible series of three victories in four races, the Niçois had indeed waited 1147 days, or more than four years, before winning one ...
“Mathieu was released at the Worlds, analyzes Kevin Page, coach of the French men's team.
His two sublime races have given him confidence and serenity.
He was then able to produce in the race what he had been doing in training for a long time.
"
THE VICTORY FOR MATHIEU FAIVRE IN BANSKO !!
🇫🇷 What a round of the Frenchman who wins and obtains the second World Cup victory of his career!
🔥 pic.twitter.com/QIqOjiQzre
- Eurosport France (@Eurosport_FR) February 28, 2021
Certainly, but how to explain such a dearth?
“There is a high density in the World Cup, recalls Page.
He also lost confidence because it took a long time to adapt to the new size of the skis decided on three years ago.
It's full of little things that make things go wrong.
"
This sudden return to grace does not surprise anyone on the circuit, as the pure talent of the skier is known.
So the key was mental.
“He's someone who has a lot of ambition, who wants to be the best, so when it doesn't smile, it affects him.
But he never gave up.
He works a lot.
And at a time when he wasn't necessarily expecting it, everything went right as it should.
"
Three Frenchmen among the top four
Ironically, Mathieu Faivre's only World Cup victory before this Sunday also corresponds to the last French festival of such magnitude.
During the giant of Val-d'Isère, in December 2016, the fit man of the moment had beaten Marcel Hirscher and Alexis Pinturault, while Thomas Fanara and Victor Muffat-Jeandet had taken 4th and 5th places.
1️⃣, 3️⃣ and 4️⃣!
😍 What a day for the French who had a sublime race today!
pic.twitter.com/JW3Bs4eJmM
- Eurosport France (@Eurosport_FR) February 28, 2021
Third at 81 hundredths, just behind Marco Odermatt (+ 0''75), his runner-up in the general classification of the World Cup, Alexis Pinturault is once again placed.
Already fourth on Saturday despite a stick lost along the way, the Courchevel skier (29) is getting closer to the big crystal globe.
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The Frenchman is 210 points ahead in the general classification and there are only nine races left.
"Alexis is in a good position, he is solid, consistent, there is no reason that it should not go, slips Page.
He is in his quest.
"
Proof that this French team has resources, Thibaut Favrot hatched this weekend (seventh Saturday and fourth Sunday at 1''08).
Kevin Page presents the Alsatian: “He's 26 years old, he's been progressing steadily for three years, and we've been expecting him to be at this level since the start of winter.
We will have to count on him for the rest because he has a solid ski and technically, analyzes the coach.
It is a gem.
He is in his place, he has not stolen anything, he is in the top ten giantists without problem.
The France team is ambitious, and it succeeds.
