Richard JOUVE
© Nordic Focus
Ski nordique
Richard JOUVE
Cross-country skiing - 29 years

Two months. Two short months. That's how long it took Richard Jouve to get onto the World Cup podium. The cross-country skier from Briançon isn't one for hanging around and quickly established himself as one of the best sprinters in the World Cup.

AN IDYLLIC START TO THE SEASON

Richard Jouve was only 22 years old when he first set foot on the World Cup circuit at the Otepää stage in Estonia. A baptism of fire that he completed with an unexceptional 49th place. But this young man is built for the sprint and its explosive effort. He learned fast and well. At Lahti in March, as the season was drawing to a close, he finished 3rd and established himself among the big names in his discipline. Over the seasons, the Julbo cross-country skier has brought his perpetual smile to the biggest races on the calendar and is spending more and more time at the table of the greats. The bronze medal in the Pyeongchang team sprint with Maurice Manificat confirmed that the Hautes-Alpes athlete who wears the colors of Méribel is one of the men who matter. He's continuing to progress on all terrains and the current season proves it.
 

A BIG START TO THE WINTER


 Although he's a sprinter by nature he finished in the top fifteen in the 15 km classic in Lenzerheide, his best result at this level. With three World Championship podiums in the bag, he's already done better than in his previous seasons. And there are still plenty of opportunities to come: "In my younger days, I never would have thought I'd be second overall in the sprint after three weekends of racing." This winter, Jouve has also shared a podium with his sidekick Lucas Chavanat: "We didn't need to exchange words to know we were both happy with this superb result." Jouve is advancing serenely through the winter. And without hang-ups: "Honestly, there isn't anyone who really scares me," he confided to the press. After twelve podiums, he's still chasing his first major international victory. And it's a safe bet that the 2022 season could be the big one for Richard Jouve.

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