Val d'Isère 2009 - FIS Alpine World Ski Championship Val d'Isère 2009

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First top-10 finish for Steve at Levi.

Mardi 18 Novembre 2008

Steve Missilier on the move.

A few weeks prior his 24th birthday, Steve Missilier made himself a nice gift Sunday at Levi, in Finland, in scoring his first ever top-10 finish in a World Cup race as he came in 8th in that first slalom of the season. He started in 30th position in the first run.

It's a very promising result for the skier from Grand Bornand on the World Cup tour four years after his debuts on the circuit. It will also boost his confidence and his chances to qualify for the up-coming FIS World Championships in Val d'Isère. It's has been his 15th top-30 result on the World Cup!

Last season, Steve already achieved a couple of very encouraging performances in slalom, finishing 11th at Kitzbühel and 14th at Schladming in January prior clinching the Italian National title in March. He needed such a strong result here to reinforce his position among the leaders in the slalom standings. He is actually in 27th position in slalom.

At Levi, the Frenchman clocked the 11th best time in the first run before a solid second leg in the afternoon while many favorites struggled on the treacherous run set by Croatia's Ante Kostelic.

"It's definitely an important step for me, I was aiming for it this season and the sooner the better for me," he said after the race. "I'm really delighted because the first races of the season are always difficult to handle. Last winter, I needed three races prior finding back my best rhythm and scoring my first points. I hope now to improve my giant slalom skiing."

"I had two solid runs, both very consistent, which was crucial on this difficult slope. I was pretty mad after my poor performance at Soelden and I wanted to fight back as quickly as possible. I was also pleased to see that our new Dynastar slalom skis were really efficient. They are a little thinner but very easy to guide and very vivacious too."

"I could train really well last summer, which as not been the case in past years. Two years ago I was injured at a knee and in 2007 I had to pull out at the middle of our stage because of strong pains. Finally things turned out really fine this time and I fully appreciate to be in good shape and ready to go for it."

"I'm of course aiming to compete at the 2009 Worlds at Val d'Isère so this result is good for my moral. The places within the French team will be tough to get - each of us wants to be there. The December competitions will already be exciting, lots of fans will be coming there!"

P.L.

Contact

Béatrice HUTTER Media Operations Coordinator bhutter@valdisere2009.org
Patrick LANG Head of press patrick.lang@ worldskinews.com
Michel COTTIN Photo Syndicate michel@cottinimage.com
Eve BEAULAIGUE Media Operations Assistant ebeaulaigue@ valdisere2009.org