Cortina d'Ampezzo (Italy) (AFP)
A subtle mix between the motorsport mechanic and the golf caddy, at least one technician or "service man" hides behind each skier, for an essential role which is not limited to the optimization of the equipment.
"Our main mission is to prepare the riders' equipment on the circuit, to take charge of all their equipment, to be there permanently on skis, summer, fall, winter, and on the races", explains Philippe Petitjean , known as "Yul", technician of the Norwegian Henrik Kristoffersen since his debut on the circuit in 2012.
As in the famous "Batcave", where the vigilante of Gotham City has his armory, we often find technicians in stifling modular buildings or hotel basements where they work until late at night on the skis of their champions. .
They must find the perfect compromise between the ski model, the "plate" and the bindings (the whole forming the "set-up"), before moving on to sharpening and waxing.
- "It's physical" -
To satisfy the best skiers in the world, the technicians are busy.
In the testing phase last week before landing at the Worlds for the giant and the slalom, Henrik Kristoffersen was followed by two trucks filled with about 70 pairs of skis (around forty in normal time), an hour to load and as much for unload for "Yul" and the 2nd technician of the Norwegian, a privilege reserved for the best.
"We work early in the morning on the track, and sometimes until late at night on skis. It's a lot of sacrifice, it's physical," said Mr. Petitjean.
"I also work with the design office to test the equipment. I keep myself constantly informed of what is happening at the factory", adds the renowned French technician, with 35 years of experience.
The expertise of these men in the shadows is essential.
Tested positive for Covid-19 before the Worlds, the Austrian Guntram Mathis, known as "Tchunti", the service man of Alexis Pinturault, had to stay at home in isolation.
For the start of the flagship competition in Cortina d'Ampezzo, he was nevertheless the one who, from Austria, prepared the Frenchman's skis, which were transported by car to Italy at night.
- "The last encouragement" -
"It is the closest and most fused relationship of our sport, it is the person with whom we spend the most time, I make all my trips with him in the truck with the equipment", explains Victor Muffat- Jeandet, about Valentin Bon Betend, who has been following him for two years and to whom he paid tribute on social networks on Sunday for his birthday.
"Not enough words to thank him for all the hard work on and off the skis," wrote the Olympic combined bronze medalist.
This proximity gives these men in the shadows - no woman currently occupies this role in the World Cup - another task, more psychological.
"With Tessa (Worley) we have a specific relationship. We have known each other since we were 12/13 years old, we competed together", tells AFP the service man of the French Dylan Stary.
"I am the last person she listens to at the start. I must encourage her, say words to her that reassure her, but also know how to remain as neutral as possible, especially in difficult times, he explains. confidence in myself, perhaps too much, because I arrived for the 2016/2017 season where it was exceptional (giant's globe and world champion title). "
"He has a great knowledge of me, of my preferences, of my way of functioning and of performing, completes the double giant world champion. Sometimes I like him to remind me of the state of mind to have at the start of the races. He gives me the final encouragement, which is essential ".
Observers can see the technicians on the team photos in the event of their protégé's podium.
Before returning to pamper skis for the next day, the feeling of a job well done.
© 2021 AFP