Interview with Pauline Macabies

A short review into the past season…
Yes, it went really well. I have reached all my aims: Medals at the junior world championships and European championships. Then the world cup in Oslo… I am really very pleased.

What is your nicest memory from the last year?
This must be the European championship. The week in Langdorf was just great!

How did you pass the summer ?
Together with Marion Blondeau, Marie Dorin and Marine Rougeot. I have been integrated to the B-national team and we have worked really well in Prémanon and Bessans with Gilles Marguet, Pascal Etienne and Jean-Pierre Amat.

You have returned very successfully from the international competitions. How was the receipt back in France?
Yes, I have already got a little bit more attention, also from the regional media, and there were a few people who have done really nice things for me.

Actually, you are still a junior, however, started your season in the world cup. Was this a little a surprise?
Yes, this was a big surprise. It is really cool and I am glad about it.

With your 14th place in the Individual in Hochfilzen you have shown a really good performance, you were the best French this day. How does it feel to have beaten such big athletes like the Olympic champion Flo or Sandrine ?
This is great! (laughs) If everything is right one day, this can happen, but, nevertheless, it is crazy.

How did the integration pass by in the world cup team?
Quite well. I am rather somebody who is quiet and doesn't talk too much and thus it lasts a time to get to know everybody, but here everything is very nice and it is okay.

Is there a difference between European Cup and World Cup ?
Yes, a gigantic one. In the EC I have run only junior class and now suddenly senior. Above all, the running level is much higher.

Do you also feel more pressure?
No. The coaches said to us that this year is a present for us and we shall learn. (Christian Dumont, just passing shouts: "You shall become world champions!" ;-)) … I feel no pressure at all ! (laughs)

What are your aims for the rest of the season?
The junior world championship and to do more races in the world cup.

What about the world championship in Antholz?
Yeaah … Well, I've got the qualification. But I do not know whether the trainers take me there because I am still a junior. It would be nice of course!

Do you have an idol?
Yes, Raph and Sandrine. This is, of course, great to be in the team and talk with them and to learn from them. In addition, there is Delf ! She is from the same region like me and we have run together race when we were younger. When she was in the world cup, I wanted to do it like her !

You very often train there and you are connected very much with Bessans. If the IBU asked you, why Bessans should get a big international competition what would be your answer?
Well … yes, so Bessans is not very big, but it is very nice. This winter we have a lot of snow, in contrast to other places. It is actually rather sure about snow and a big event would become anyway a very nice event!
Interview made by Anne Gassner & Karolin Hemp in January 2007