To continue our series of interviews, ProXCskiing talked with Jennifer Lambert from Team Nordic Expérience. The French Pro Team athlete shared her goals and favorite training session with us but also spoke about her life when she’s not skiing.
Jennifer, can you tell us a bit about your favorite training session during the summer?
“I love mountain biking because it’s very playful. I like to go on trails that are a bit technical because you must be present, you must be in control and have to outdo yourself. And then it’s in the forest, so I love it!”
How about the winter one?
“I like small sessions that are a bit dynamic. For example, I like the ones with a speed session or with some intervals or intensity.”
What are your summer and winter goals?
“For this summer, I didn’t necessarily have goals except maybe increase the quantity of double pole in my training. I took them mostly as preparation races, so I chose not to set specific goals in terms of placement.”
“For this winter, it’s different. Last season was a discovery season for me, so this year I will try to reach the top 20 as often as I can. I will also try to keep up with the leading group as long as possible.”
Do you have one race that you are looking forward?
“Not in particular, but if I really have to choose one, I would say La Diagonela. It went pretty well last year, and I enjoyed the course. I felt good; I took a great start, and it usually takes me a while to really feel good, so I didn’t necessarily expect to do so well. Besides, climbing is usually not my strong point, so I was all the more surprised and happy with my result.”
This year Hedda Bångmann is joining Team Nordic Expérience. What does she bring to you in your daily training?
“She motivates me a lot, she’s really a driving force, and helps me a lot during the sessions because she’s at a higher level than me, so of course, that helps me progress. And she also inspires me with her habits: she stretches after each session, and she always goes for a run even during the recovery afternoons, so it makes me want to go with her. In the end, I work a bit more without even noticing it. And she’s always in a good mood, so that’s cool!”
You are also studying; can you tell us more about that?
“I am studying by correspondence and preparing for a degree in dietetics. It’s great because it allows me to organize my time. I organize my own schedule according to the training sessions.”
Do you still have free time? If so, what do you like to do?
“There is always some free time left, and I think it is important to have it. I make sure I always have some time for myself. I like to see my friends who are not necessarily in the ski world or just share a moment with them but a moment that is not necessarily a training session.”
“Otherwise, I’m not that much into series, precisely because it takes too much time (laugh). But I like to go to the cinema! The last movie I saw and I liked was Thor: Love and Thunder. I really like Marvel movies.”
Do you have any advice for younger athletes?
“Always keep the notion of pleasure. I think you have to learn to be rigorous while keeping the notion of pleasure. If you’re motivated and you enjoy yourself while training, you’ll be fine!”
