Pierre Billet from France watches all skiing broadcasts on TV and recently joined a Finnish skiing club.
Amanda Saari (left), Jasmi Joensuu and Kerttu Niskanen sped up in the traditional sprint of the Ruka World Cup last Saturday. PASI LEISMA
French Pierre Billet46, could be called the most exotic fan of Finnish skiing.
The man follows Finnish skiing daily in the press, online, TV and social media, and recently even joined the Vantaa Ski Association, but he has never been to Finland.
– It frustrates me, says Billet.
At the very beginning, heroes were found in neighboring countries: Sweden in the 1980s Gunde Svan and on the other side of Norway Bjørn Dæhlie.
– I love competing, but in my childhood and youth I didn’t do much skiing because my family lived far from mountains and snow.
Finland touched my heart in adulthood with another passion. Billet is into historical architecture.
– I love Finland, its forests and lakes, but above all the historical architecture. Finland is a country where both of my interests combine wonderfully.
Finnish Cup
Pierre Billet from France is a fan of Finnish cross-country skiing. Home album
Billet broadcasts all competitions of the Finnish Cup in skiing from the streaming service. He declares his number one name in blue and white Jasmi to Joensuu and Iivo Niskanen.
– Joining the Finnish club is in a way proof that I am very interested in Finnish skiing. I chose Vantaa because I am interested in the history and development of the city.
In France, biathlon is the big brother of cross-country skiing, but both sports are the activity of a very small circle.
– The sports remain quite anonymous in the media, Billet describes.
Mainly, only a handful of new enthusiasts from a few alpine villages end up in the sport each year.
– France has a strong women’s team in biathlon. Men need to renew themselves and become stronger. In cross-country skiing, we have interesting athletes in both women and men.
Doctor and father
Billet works as a doctor in the Brittany region on the west coast of France between the English Channel and the Bay of Biscay.
The Lord has three children. They are between 6 and 12 years old.
– I try to train every morning, says the man who enjoys running, cycling, roller skiing and cross-country skiing.
The Frenchman describes his everyday life as busy, as the working day is 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
– I also like listening to podcasts and gardening. On holidays, we want to get to know other regions and countries as a family.
A true fan watched the opening races of the cross-country skiing world cup, which took place in Ruka last weekend, at home.
– Good luck, Niskanen!