“I did my part of the job.” This Wednesday, Alban Elezi Cannaferina no longer touched land. Third in the giant of Schladming (Austria) the day before, for his very first World Cup podium, the 22-year-old French skier had just struck a big blow. And to get closer to the 8th and final ticket for the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, obtained at the last minute by the French team.
Questioned by the Dauphiné in the morning, the resident of the Courchevel club did not prefer to project himself too much. “I will be there as a supporter of the France team,” he said. I sincerely wish them all to win. For the Olympics, I did my part of the job. I fought all January for this. »
This Wednesday evening, the CNOSF made official what was already almost no longer a suspense: it is indeed he who won the precious sesame and who will therefore hurtle down the slopes of Bormio.
At 22 years old, Alban Elezi Cannaferina is undoubtedly realizing his biggest dream. Son of a former Yugoslav wrestler and a former French wrestler, Agnès Canna-Ferina, medalist at the 1998 European Championships, the skier, however, no doubt secretly hoped for it. Junior world champion in giant slalom in 2023, then double silver medalist the following year at the Portes du Soleil, he is one of the greatest promises in French skiing.
“He surprises everyone”
Twelfth in the downhill in Kitzbühel (Austria) on January 24 despite his bib number 55, the Frenchman took an incredible step this Tuesday by winning his first podium, behind the Swiss Loïc Meillard and the Brazilian Lucas Braathen. And in front, excuse me, the legend Marco Odermatt. Only 26th, Alexis Pinturault did not hold up the comparison to hope to play his 4th Games.
“Yesterday, laughing, when we found out we had an extra place (for the Olympics), I told the guys: it’s okay, I’m going to make a podium and we won’t talk about it anymorehe smiled after the race at the Eurosport microphone. Of course, after the selections, I was a little disappointed, I wanted to do a big race no matter what. I’m so happy. »
If he owes his place to his current form and this excellent result, Alban Elezi Cannaferina also benefits from his versatility. Competitive in downhill, giant slalom and super-G, the young skier can do (almost) everything. “He surprises everyone,” exclaimed Kevin Page, head of the technical group (giant and slalom) at L’Équipe. Even without having done many sprint races yet, he finished 12th in fawn for his baptism! Go from one discipline to another in just a few workouts, hats off. We know how much effort it takes to align both in technique and speed. »
“I like all the disciplines, I have found a balance,” assures the Frenchman in Dauphiné. The staff helps me a lot with that. I am more attentive to my body and my desires. We share a lot. Speed helps me to be more and more calm. When the giant left on Tuesday, I found that things were going a lot. I thought like a descender. After the race, we can say that I am also a giantist (smile) and I did better than in Kitzbühel. I want to continue doing all three disciplines. » That’s good: he will be able to do it on the biggest international stage.
