Jean-Marc Gaillard, fully equipped with Salomon (skis, boots and bindings), achieved in Liberec, Czech Republic, his first world cup victory in the 15km free.

Wearing a good number, on a run with little snow, the young Frenchman announced from the start that it was HIS race … Jean-Marc set off quickly, and was a contendor for the cup throughout. After the 1^st lap, he found his company with Christian Hoffman, and they stayed together until the half way mark on the course when the Frenchman took the lead, gradually increasing his distance from Lukas Bauer who went on to finish 12s after. Left with the number 8, Jean Marc had all the time in the world to enjoy his victory on the ‘winner’s couch’, the waiting was long, long enough for Jean-Marc to realize that he had just won his first World Cup victory,  not just the minors, since ‘Jean-Jean’ had beaten the two current world-cup experts.

It is the first World Cup victory for Jean Marc Gaillard… With happiness we predict a great future for Jean-Marc thanks to exceptional physical qualities and a remarkable intelligence for the race. Jean-Marc who had been forced to rest after a thumb injury, recharged the previous weekend by winning his club race and so came to Liberec refreshed, motivated and ready to compete.

Another memorable finish comes from an other French Emmanuel Jonnier (Salomon skis, boots, and bindings) with a 7^th place finish.

We hope Jean-Marc is able to reproduce these remarkable races and be on just as good form at Falun…