2013 Shanghai Slalom Open (Stream of Thoughts)

The UNOFFICIAL backstage experience of my umpteenth trip to China*...

For more journalistic write-ups on the competition itself, check out the REPORT TRILOGY on worldslalomseries.com by yours truly:

• 2013 SSO DAY 1: Pair Classic, Speed Trials, Junior Classic.
• 2013 SSO DAY 2: Speed Finals, Senior Classic, Slides.
• 2013 SSO DAY 3: Battle, Medals.

► THU. AUG. 1^st : Traveling.

After a 19-hour trip: two planes with a four-hour stop in Dubai --excluding the Bordeaux-Paris train of the previous day, the hour of metro to get to the airport and the two-hour wait to board... and the hour of bus to get from Shanghai airport to the hotel...
AFTER A 19-HOUR TRIP (I don't count the extra, it's too depressing) I'M IN SHANGHAI!

Let's not complain, though: I experienced a long flight in BUSINESS CLASS for the first time in my life. I had already been upgrated once, but for a short trip and didn't enjoy it much. But I could have had champagne if ever I had drunk alcohol.....

B612 Photoshooting by ArtyChaut.com

A couple of months ago I was contacted on facebook by an illustrator/photographer who asked me if she could shoot me on quad skates. I usually consider those kinds of proposals as long as the people seem to be of sound mind. As a matter of fact she did, so I said yes.

We met once for a drink, then a second time for scouting, although neither of us usually do that: the first go is often the good one, more natural. Still we wanted some special weather conditions (a bright sun would be welcome), so we patiently waited for the right moment.

Our first common wish - we had the same idea separately - was to shoot on the water mirror of the docks of Bordeaux. It's a childhood dream to make a splash on rollerskates, and water is an interesting and uncommon element to work with (especially with skates).

2013 Team France Try-Outs

Just after having been elected, the coaching committee of the French Team announced the program of the next step: THREE SUMMER DATES FOR TRY-OUTS – video application allowed for expats and special cases. The names of the 40 lucky rollergirls will be announced by the end of August.

I registered for the 2nd date in Clermont Ferrand (Center). There was already a first selection in Montpellier (South) three weeks before and there will be a last one in Paris (North) three weeks later. Make your choice.