By stepping onto his third World Cup podium on Sunday in Crans-Montana, Ester Ledecka once again surprised the Cirque Blanc community. The parallel giant Olympic champion in snowboarding and super-G in alpine skiing at PyeongChang continues to show her talent in the eyes of the general public. While she had so far made a name for herself in speed, the 24-year-old was able to confirm in slalom on the Mont Lachaux track, by signing the 5th time in the heat on a particularly demanding track.
While she will still alternate between alpine skiing and snowboarding by the end of winter and that she has already established herself in both sports, Ester Ledecka keeps smiling and above all the motivation that makes her strong . Interview after his exploit on Sunday on the Haut-Plateau.
Ester Ledecka, getting on a combined podium, was it a surprise for you?
Everyone was surprised, even my coaches, but it was a very good surprise. It’s just magic to be honest. I can have fun everywhere. It was a challenge because I never train on such a steep track and I only have 5 days of slalom in my legs.
Could your snowboarding experience help you?
I do not know. I haven’t trained a lot in snowboarding this year so I hope it will work the other way too as I will still be competing in parallel slalom at Livigno (editor’s note: March 10).
Do you prefer slalom on skis or snowboard?
It’s very different but I have fun in both.
You are able to win in both snowboarding and skiing. How do you recover?
I’m not recovering, I’m a robot (laughs). No, seriously, I have to be careful and I have to put a lot of oil in my circuits, it’s mechanical (laughs). Even more seriously, I do everything I can to rest during the short breaks between events but it is not always easy. Of course, I play two different sports, but many girls compete in all disciplines on skis and it is just as difficult, if not more. We’re on the road for six months. But I really like it.
With the 2022 Olympics in mind, do you have snowboarding and skiing in sight?
Of course (smile). Like every race I participate in, I will try to win! But I’m not the only one with that mindset. I will do everything to win, but I cannot do more.
It was very hot in Crans-Montana. How did you manage this situation?
I had already been here four years ago but I had only been able to do a mini training session due to the bad weather. There, I must say that the organizers did an incredible job to prepare this extraordinary track. I don’t even know how it was possible to have a track in such good condition with such temperatures. I am very honored to have enjoyed their work.
Will you be back next season?
Yes, I will clearly put these races on my calendar. It seems that this track will become my favorite.
You shine snowboard, ski in speed and now even in technique! What are your limits?
I have no limits at the moment (laughs).
Laurent Morel, Crans-Montana
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