The two Quebecers will compete for their Olympic qualification on Saturday at the start of the long track speed skating qualifiers at the Quebec City Ice Centre.
If Laurent Dubreuil already has a ticket for the Milan-Cortina 500m, Cedric Brunet and Christopher Fiola will fight for the other two places available in the sprint.
“The most important day is Saturday,” Brunet concluded. I have to take the same approach and imagine myself in the same mood as at the World Cup. I shouldn't worry about placing at the Olympics, but rather about my race and getting a good result.
“I have never been in such a good position to qualify for the Games,” Fiola added. This experience helps me prepare for the big day. I've worked a lot with my mental coach over the past few years. You can’t prepare for this the day before the race.”
He broke his personal record
Brunet performed well in the first four World Championships played before the holidays. “I couldn’t ask for more,” he said. In Salt Lake City I set a personal best, missing my career best by 0.7 seconds, which is very important. My result of 34.06 is the third fastest time in Canadian history.”
“I knew my worth, but I never had the opportunity to deliver the goods, to chase a 24-year-old skater who is competing in his first Olympic trials. I have proven my worth to everyone. The recipe is simple. I am healthy both physically and mentally.”
After a strong start at two North American events, Brunet didn't get the results he wanted in Europe, but he's confident he's identified the problem.
“After 34.06 I felt on top of the world, but I was brought back down to earth in Europe,” he admitted. I've made a lot of films and we found a problem. I fixed this technical problem and now I’m driving faster.”
Roller coaster cycle
Fiola survived the Olympic cycle, in which ups and downs followed one after another. “At the end of a turbulent Olympic cycle, in which I caught fire, finishing in 12e place at the World Cup in 2023, I suffered a knee injury in 2024 and barely qualified for the World Cup in 2025 after paying the costs of the World Cup in Asia,” he said. It was important to take on these costs in the run-up to the Games.”
Like Brunet, Fiola set a personal best in Salt Lake City. His time of 34.31 earned him promotion to Group A in Calgary. “I'm at the best level of my life, but everyone is going faster. I have no choice but to keep my foot on the gas pedal.”
Gregor Jelonek is pleased with the progress of his two players. “Cedric has improved significantly, set an exceptional time and remains among the top 20 in the world,” said the Canadian coach. He developed as an athlete and improved technically and physically. As for Christopher, he has come back from a knee injury and has never been better.
The veteran coach's message is clear. “Both have an opportunity given to them and they must take advantage of it. They have nothing to lose and everything to gain.”
Dubreuil, who has already qualified, will nevertheless take the start. “Due to illness and equipment problems, Laurent needs racing,” Jelonek explained. The 500m will give him good preparation for the 1000m on Sunday, where he will not pre-qualify.
