After the sneak start in Sölden a few weeks ago, the Alpine World Cup begins in earnest in Levi, Finland, this weekend.
For Alphand, 30, it's about building on the insights she gained last season, despite the turmoil in a national team rocked by poor finances and widespread dissatisfaction with some leaders and coaches. It all led to personnel changes. For the better.
Much better. Especially when there are people who are going to decide over you, it's important that it works. Otherwise it gets a little weird sometimes. I think one coach was a little weird, to be honest. He made weird decisions, she says.
Moved to Andorra
A few years ago she decided to use Andorra as her base.
Mom (Anna-Karin) and dad (Luc) moved there and I joined.
When she didn't get a place on the national team for last season, the choice was easy: Train with the Andorran national team.
Then I could have my own planning, she says.
Did you find your own path?
Yes.
What did it look like?
Mostly because I felt like I really needed to perform to move forward. It put a little pressure on me.
Did you need that press?
You always need some kind of pressure, but before it was maybe a bit too much. Back then I was riding more to get down, instead of going fast.
“Stuck in my head”
That's not the case anymore. Estelle Alphand's stance is now this:
"I don't care about the result and instead go as fast as I can, but that's easier said than done. I've had a little trouble with that. I've been a little too cautious. It's in my head," says Alphand.
The collaboration with a mental coach has ended. Now she chooses to trust herself.
I feel like I have the keys. Now it's just a matter of getting it right. You're 30 but you're still working on it. It's a bit hard but I guess it's something you always have to work on.
What is a good season for you?
Start in the top 15 in both giant slalom and slalom. I think I can do that. Then a podium or two.
The Olympics in Milano Cortina will be held February 6-22.
Henrik Skiöld/TT
Facts: Turbulence in the alpine national team in 2024
TT
According to an anonymous survey from SVT last fall, almost half of the skaters lacked confidence in the national team management.
In November, it was announced that Karin Stolt Halvarsson, alpine and ski cross manager, and Lars Melin, national team manager for alpine and ski cross, had to leave their positions.
According to Pernilla Bonde, general secretary of the Swedish Ski Association, one of the reasons for the changes in management was that the national team was facing financial challenges. To solve the financial crisis, several national team skiers had to pay 100,000-150,000 kronor for their national team places. And speed skater Felix Monsén was cheated and had to pay for his entire investment himself.
Swedish team, women: Sara Hector Anna Swenn Larsson, Estelle Alphand, Moa Boström Müssener, Hanna Aronsson Elfman, Cornelia Öhlund.
Men: Kristoffer Jakobsen, William Hansson, Fabian Ax Swartz, Adam Hofstedt.
Program, Saturday, November 15: ladies, first run at 10 am, second run at 1 pm.
Sunday, November 16; men, first run at 10 am, second run at 1 pm.
The competitions are broadcast on Viaplay.
