According to the French website Ledauphine, Jean-Baptiste Grange will not fly with the rest of the French team to Beaver Creek to contest the Sunday GS and will not return to the World Cup circuit until Val d'Isere, Dec. 8,9.

"I think it is wiser, Grange said. “Do not forget that I come back from a knee (he had surgery for a lacerated right knee ligament). It is difficult to play on two tables. He said the Beaver Creek GS is particularly difficult due to its length adapting to the new dimensions of the skis has proven difficult. “They are longer and it gives more stress to the knee and back. “

He said he was expecting to focus on the French races and those that follow at Madonna di Campiglio. “After that, we'll see. This is a strategic choice. The slalom is my strong point. Two weeks ago, I had three good days. It went well for my back. Thursday morning, I still did. I feel good about my Fischer (skis) but I still continue to work to find the right pair of skis. I'll stay here in France. Titou (Stéphane Exit, one of the coaches) will remain with me, and a physiotherapist. I can work with the young group (Muffat Jeandet, Thoule, Tissot)."

Grange was the 2009 World Cup slalom champ and the slalom runner-up in 2011. He is the defending World Champion in slalom having claimed the title in 2011 at Garmisch. He skipped the 2010 Olympics due to surgery.

Gepa photo