Frenchman Steven Theolier to compete for the Netherlands

By Published On: April 22nd, 2016Comments Off on Frenchman Steven Theolier to compete for the Netherlands

Former French World Cup skier Steven Theolier has claimed Dutch citizenship and will compete for the Netherlands in future FIS competitions.

A regular on the World Cup slalom circuit since 2012, Theolier’s grandfather is Dutch cyclist and 1968 Tour de France champion Jan Janssen, giving him the option to change his allegiance to the Netherlands.

With a World Cup career best of 15th in the 2012 Madonna do Campiglio slalom, as well as representing France at the 2013 World Championships in Schladming, Austria, the 25-year-old Theolier left the French federation on good terms according to reports. This move will allow the Dutch skier the freedom to compete in World Cup, World Championship, and Olympic races without having to go through the selection process of the notoriously deep French team. The move also frees up quota spots for younger French skiers to make a name for themselves on the World Cup in coming years.

Theolier’s father, Jaques, was also recently named the head men’s technical coach of the Swedish ski team, creating an interesting melting pot of cultures in the Theolier family.

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About the Author: Sean Higgins

A Lake Tahoe native and University of Vermont graduate, Higgins was a member of the Catamounts' 2012 NCAA title winning squad and earned first team All-American honors in 2013. Prior to coming to Ski Racing Media, he coached U14s for the Squaw Valley Ski Team.