Racing: Fischer team grows stronger
Tissot signs contract with Innviertel based company
Stéphane Tissot decided to change ski brands in the course of this year's overseas training. From now on the Frenchman will be counting on equipment from Austria's Innviertel region. In this interview he talks about his reasons for changing to Fischer and his future perspectives.
You decided to change ski brands during the summer period. What made you choose Fischer?
Fischer skis are very tolerant and have excellent performance. Some racers in the French team use this brand. Together with my trainer I analysed and observed a lot of things and came to the conclusion that these skis ought to work for me as well. I simply need the right skis to be fast.
The changeover happened relatively quickly. You switched to your new brand during the training camp in Ushuaia (ARG). Had you been thinking about it before then?
Yes, it had been on my mind a lot. It was after the 07l08 season – my comeback year after a serious injury – when I knew I had to change something. I asked myself how I could become faster again. Things didn't get any better for me this year. It certainly had something to do with the fact that I hadn't skied for two years. This is why I wanted to find a solution relatively quickly and not just sit around until winter without doing anything.
But money didn't play a part in your decision…
No, not at all! It was all a question of my style and finding the right ski for it.
How long have you signed for Fischer?
One year to begin with, so we can see how things go. I am, of course, aiming for a longer partnership and, if everything goes smoothly, I'll sign for further years.
What are your goals for the Olympic season?
I want to make it into the top 15 of the world rankings quickly and win points in the first races so I will be able to compete at the Olympics with a good bib number.
Your best season placing in the World Cup was in 2006 with sixth place. How do you rate your form this season?
That's right, I really was in good form back then and got off to a good start straight away in Levi. But then my injury came as an early Christmas present on 23 December... It cost me a lot of time and effort, but now things are going really well again as a result. I improved more and more towards the end of the training in Ushuaia and still have one and a half months left. Enough time to prepare myself for Levi.
What dream would you like to come true in your career?
I desperately want to win an Olympic medal before I retire from skiing. It would be great if I could win it this year. Apart from that I simply want to be fast and ski to the best of my ability. Having said that, it's the pleasure I get from skiing that means a lot to me.
|
