Not done yet

Tgas… a nickname we have heard so many times around the lake. Thomas Degasperi has been on top of the leaderboard for almost two decades and nothing seems to predict otherwise for the future. Sometimes he has back pain issues, but even when he can barely walk, he can still run 39off (10,75m). This happened at Miami Pro, the last event of the season. And even if he finished 6th there, his score was 2,5@41off (10,25m). Impressive right?

Let’ s focus a minute on his ability to step on the podium so consistently. The level is so high out there, and yet, we seem to see the same names over and over at the top of the ranking. Being able to run 3 or 4 or even 5 buoy at 10,25m (41off) is something, but know how to make it happen when is counts is truly the key to sustained success. Looking back at Tgas ’ amazing season, it appears that he really knows how to ski, but also how to approach a tournament.

Looking back at European Championships in Greece this year, Tgas was one of the first off the dock on Sunday finals. He qualified with a score of 3@10,75m (39off). The top score was 2@10,25 (41off) by Sacha Descuns. We all know that Tgas can run 10,75m (39off) in and out with his eyes closed. Conditions were not optimal, and yet we know he shines in tough conditions.

So, I asked myself: did he intentionally qualify at the bottom? And if so, why? My guess is that everything was calculated. That is why Tgas has so many medals. He competes with his mind as well as his technical skills.

1st: Weather was supposed to be windy on Sunday. The earlier on the water, the better. 2nd: He knows his opponent like Sacha, Brando, Carlo, Fillypos or Matteo can put a score around 3 over there. Which is probably enough to win.

So going out before the others and putting that score up (which he did) was a smart way to put pressure on the field and wait casually on the shore to see if someone ties. Because conditions were not the best, taking the risk of going for 4 ball might not be worth it. So Tgas bought onto himself the probability of going for a runoff for the win, but mostly a win. And it worked. Brando and Sacha scored 2@10,25m (41off). Tgas won his 8th European Title with 3@10,25m (41off).

Ph. John Horton

World championship now. The situation was different there. Highest field of skiers; dialed in conditions: everybody knew the cut for making the finals would be high, we just did not know how high yet. As a skier, you have to go ski the best you can to maybe have a chance for making the cut. At some point, we knew that 3@10,25m (41off) would get you in and that 2 buoys would put you on a runoff bubble. Thomas not only passed 3 that day, but scored a full 4@10,25m (41off). Enough to get him 2nd after qualifications, but also to put him above all skiers with lower scores if ties were to occur in the finals. Which is exactly what happened.

Podium at Europeans

I believe the construction of Tgas ’ silver medal there shows how strategy plays a role in his career. Taking the risk of blowing out the tip at 3rd buoy because he already knows it is enough to make the cut, and that the risk taken could reward with a tremendous advantage over the field in finals. This qualifying score allowed Tgas to avoid the epic runoff for Bronze medal against Will Asher, Freddie Winter, Adam Sedlmajer and Brian Detrick. That’ s a smart aggressive accomplishment.

“There are multiple reasons why Thomas is among the best slalom skiers ever ” told me Matteo Luzzeri, Tgas ’ teammate and sport psychology expert. “Beyond the tactical knowledge he accrued over the last two decades, he still maintains a strong passion for the sport and its competitive nature. Furthermore, his ability to focus on a goal for long periods of time is remarkable. Combine experience, strong intrinsic motivation, and concentration, and long as the other variables are in good shape, you have a memorable champion. ”

Gregoire Desfond

JOEL POLAND IN MY BAG WITH