After a season punctuated by success in the North American circuit in 2022-2023, Jérémy Gagné was ready to take the next step this fall.
But it was in Stubai, Austria, that the 19-year-old hoped to make his mark at the Freestyle Downhill World Cup, his event of choice, last weekend.
Gagné placed seventh in his qualifying heat with 76 points, qualifying him for the final. Unfortunately, the Quebecer did not have the chance to make his mark in the final, since the event was canceled due to intense weather conditions in the Stubai Valley.
“It was really a great experience. Training was not easy because several jumps were closed due to wind, snow and thick fog. It went very well in qualifying, I had a lot of fun and I’m happy with what I showed,” said Gagné, who ultimately finished in 15th place due to his qualifying score which was used as the final ranking.
Nothing to discourage Gagné, however. He simply told himself that it was not his time and that he would be able to recover very soon.
“Obviously I’m a little bit disappointed that the finals were canceled. We expected it, because the weather forecast did not predict anything good for the weekend. It was a first, there will be others. This is not the end of the world ! » said Gagné.
With two silver medals in freestyle downhill last season in the Nor-Am circuit and a third place in high jump at the Stoneham event, also in Nor-Am, Gagné couldn’t wait any longer before doing his World Cup debut in the company of certain athletes whom he has followed with admiration for several years.
“My good season last year allowed me to get my place on the World Cup circuit. It was the logical progression of things in my opinion. My strength is slopestyle (acrobatic descent). I want to participate in finals this year where I believe I will be able to get a few additional places in the rankings. »
“It’s difficult to set goals from the start because I don’t know exactly where I stand compared to the veterans. It’s crazy to be back with the guys I watched ski growing up. It’s almost a dream, honestly. They wished me good luck before the start, I thought it was incredible,” Gagné added with a laugh.
In addition to Quebecers Édouard Therriault and Dylan Deschamps, Gagné finds himself part of a well-stocked Canadian team which also includes Evan McEachran, crowned champion in Stubai, as well as Max Moffatt, sixth in the last event.
“We really have a great team. Everyone gets along well and the atmosphere is really healthy. I don’t sense any bad competition in our team. It’s a beautiful brotherhood,” remarked Gagné about the Canadian clan of which Olivia Asselin is also part of the women’s team.
Jérémy Gagné will participate in his next Freestyle Downhill World Cup from January 17 to 21, in Laax, Switzerland, where he hopes to be able to fully experience his first final among the big boys.