This year, the STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® World Championship will be held in Toulouse in the south of France for the first time. The city, which is known for its red terracotta brick facades and therefore bears the affectionate nickname ‘La Ville Rose’, will be the host for the most action-packed and biggest competition of the STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® season at the beginning of November. A special opportunity for the French athletes: a World Championships in their own country.
Nano Pourtier: from freestyle skier to sports woodcutting coach
All active lumberjacks in France are members of one of nine lumberjack clubs. These are spread across the country in different regions. With the former freestyle skier Jean-Raymond Fernand Pourtier, known as Nano, the team will this year be accompanied by a French sports legend on its way to the World Championships. As a two-time European champion on the moguls, the former competitive athlete brings considerable experience and expertise to the team. Pourtier has been working as a coach since the end of his active career. He has already worked as sports director for both the French freestyle team and the bobsleigh federation and has guided numerous athletes to success.
His sporting ambition also shines through at TIMBERSPORTS®: Nano Pourtier's goal is to finish in the top five with the French team - and perhaps even higher. Last year, the French took seventh place at the Team World Championships, proving that they can definitely compete with the best in the world.
Selection and training of the national team
The selection of the World Championships participants is based on their performances throughout the entire season. The results of the French Championships play a decisive role. The Stock Saw, Underhand Chop, Single Buck and Standing Block Chop disciplines are particularly important, as these must be completed by the individual athletes in the Team competition. The lumberjacks who have consistently impressed with their technique, strength and good times will get the chance to represent France on the world stage. The following athletes have qualified for the French team this year: Pierre Puybaret, long-time serial champion in France and captain of the team, Alex Meurisse, the 2024 French champion, up-and-coming hopeful Loic Voison, Adrien Courteaux, Pierre Louis Poisot and Antoine Estelon.
Intensive preparation for the big show in Toulouse
The French athletes have been preparing intensively for the World Championships for weeks. Great emphasis has been placed on a combination of physical and mental training. This holistic approach should ensure that the athletes are in top form in Toulouse and can make the most of this year's home advantage. A few days before the start in Toulouse, the French team will meet in Pamiers for their final preparations.
The highlight of the STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® season starts on November 8th at 8pm with the Team World Championship. On November 9th, the best lumberjacks in the world will then compete for the coveted title in the Individual competition. How the French athletes perform at the World Championships can be followed on the YouTube, Facebook and Twitch platforms in the livestream.
