CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy – The French para-alpine ski team experienced a mixed day of fortunes on Monday at the Milan-Cortina Winter Paralympics, with silver for Aurélie Richard and bronze for Jules Segers offset by frustrating crashes for two teammates in the Super-G competition. Lou Braz-Dagand was among those who didn’t finish the race, a significant setback for the veteran skier who had hoped to contend for a medal.
The Super-G, known for its blend of speed and technical skill, proved challenging for several athletes. Following the earlier disappointment of Arthur Bauchet, a pre-Games favorite in the standing category, Braz-Dagand’s run ended prematurely, dashing his medal aspirations. The incident underscored the unpredictable nature of alpine skiing, where even the most seasoned competitors can be undone by changing course conditions.
“I was surprised by the first turn, I couldn’t do anything,” Braz-Dagand told France TV, as reported by Le Parisien. “I didn’t think the snow would be so soft, but that’s the game of alpine skiing.”
Braz-Dagand, often referred to as the “papa” of the French delegation, was reportedly well-positioned on the course before the incident. Despite the setback, he escaped injury. He had been optimistic about his chances on the Cortina piste, noting its resemblance to a Giant Slalom course – a discipline where he typically excels.
“I was ahead at the first intermediate time,” Braz-Dagand said. “It’s really too bad, this was a track that suited me well! I had a card to play on this course, which resembles a Giant Slalom.”
The French team’s performance on Monday was a study in contrasts. Richard secured her second medal of the Games with a silver in the visually impaired category, while Segers added to the tally with a bronze in the standing Super-G. These successes provided a much-needed boost after Bauchet’s unexpected fall. The Paralympics have, so far, yielded five medals for France, including one gold from flag bearer Cécile Hernandez.
France entered the Games aiming for a top-five finish in the medal table, a goal that remains within reach despite the early challenges. The delegation boasts a roster of 15 athletes, including two guides, and a significant percentage – 43% – have previously medaled at Paralympic Games. The French Olympic Committee has stated its belief that all para-athletes have medal potential.
The Super-G competition highlighted the demanding conditions faced by para-alpine skiers. The course at Cortina d’Ampezzo, known for its challenging terrain, tested the athletes’ technical skills and physical endurance. The soft snow conditions, as noted by Braz-Dagand, added another layer of complexity, requiring precise adjustments and impeccable timing.
Despite the disappointment of his Super-G run, Braz-Dagand remains focused on the remaining events. He is now turning his attention to the Super-Combined, scheduled for Tuesday, where he believes his technical strengths will be better suited. “It’s not for today, but it’s for tomorrow!” he declared, expressing his determination to rebound from the setback. “This time I’ll preserve the lead I had!”
The Super-Combined, which combines a slalom and a downhill run, will provide Braz-Dagand with another opportunity to showcase his skills and contend for a medal. The event is scheduled to begin at 9:00 AM local time (CET) on Tuesday, March 10th. For those following from other time zones, that translates to 3:00 AM EDT/12:00 PM PDT.
The Milan-Cortina Winter Paralympics continue on Tuesday with further alpine skiing events, as well as competitions in wheelchair curling. The Games, which began on Friday, March 6th, are showcasing the incredible athleticism and determination of para-athletes from around the world. The competition is taking place against a backdrop of political controversy, with the presence of Russian athletes under a neutral flag drawing scrutiny.
The French team will be looking to build on their early successes and overcome the challenges they have faced. With several events still to arrive, there is still plenty of opportunity for them to achieve their ambitious medal targets. Braz-Dagand’s resilience and determination will be key as they navigate the remaining days of the Games.
The Super-Combined offers a fresh start for Braz-Dagand, a chance to set the disappointment of the Super-G behind him and focus on what he does best. Fans will be eager to see how he performs and whether he can translate his optimism into a podium finish.
The next confirmed checkpoint for Lou Braz-Dagand and the French para-alpine ski team is the start of the Super-Combined on Tuesday, March 10th at 9:00 AM CET. Stay tuned to Archysport for live updates and comprehensive coverage of the Milan-Cortina Winter Paralympics.
