Catching up with Kevin Drury

After winning his first ski cross overall crystal globe in the 2019/20 season, Kevin Drury (CAN) was not able to celebrate this achievement with his teammates due to obvious reasons. Nevertheless, the win certainly gave him a huge confidence boost and maybe it was just the right timing before the upcoming season, which also has a major event on the menu – the 2021 Zhangjiakou FIS Freestyle Ski, Snowboard and Freeski World Championships.

Leading up to the interview we did recently with Kevin, we highly recommend to check out the “Behind the scenes” episode with "Mr. Quadzilla” from last year, which was recorded near the end of last season, where he talks about his strengths, weaknesses and how he managed to get into the winning-mode:

And this is what Drury had to say in our little Q + A ahead of the 2020/21 season:

What did the last season and the win your first crystal globe mean to you?

It meant everything. Ever since the Olympic season I knew I had the ability to be one of the best, it was just a matter of being patient and trusting in all the hard work I’ve put in. Last season it all came together and it meant everything to see all that time and hard work come to fruition.

How did you handle the whole lockdown situation and the ongoing uncertainties of the Covid-19 pandemic after the season ended so abruptly?

Well, having to leave early from the last World Cup certainly put a downer on an incredible season. Not being able to celebrate that with my team and all the staff is something I will forever regret. Not only my success but the Nations Cup as well as 2 other overall podiums from our team. During the lockdown and this summer, I was managing very well thanks to my wonderful new wife! We were able to spend a ton of time together which was perfect, because I didn’t see her much during the season.

What is your personal biggest learning that you took from the pandemic?

Don’t take anything for granted! I am fortunate to live in a place where outdoor activity is a huge part of the community, but during lockdown, when that is taken away from you, it makes you really look at what is most important in your life. It makes you appreciate the mountains and the forests so much more. Every mountain bike ride becomes that much more special because with everything going on, it could be your last for a while.

Going into a new season with World Championships in February, what are your main goals and focus points for the next season? Will another crystal globe be on the list of goals?

Absolutely, the crystal globe is on the list (smiles). I think more importantly for myself, my real goal is to just ski. I know that when I am relaxed and just let instincts take over, I am far more successful than trying to force it. If the results come, that’s a bonus.

Do you prefer seasons with a big event like World Championships or Olympic Games, or do you prefer seasons where you can mainly focus on the World Cup? And why?

I like big events. I think its a rare time when you can really just lay it all on the line. With only a World Cup season you start to look at the big picture and maybe you won’t take a risk early knowing there are a lot more races to come. With big events the adrenaline is higher and you can really just let it go.

What is it that you love most about your sport?

There is a long list but I’ll try to keep it short. Coming from Alpine - it’s competitive but it’s all on you. You don’t know how your run is until you see the clock. In ski cross you can make mistakes, but you always know where you are. I love having people right next to you, driving you forward, faster. On top of all that it is FUN! There are no bad days in ski cross. The courses are so much fun that even if you’re out first round, I will always have a smile on my face and wanted to go again! It’s the best!

Let’s wait and see what’s in store for the next season, which is just around the corner, with the kick-off in December in Val Thorens, which is located in the French Alps. Will Drury manage to continue his incredible skiing and add wins to his list? We can’t wait to find out!

To check out the full Audi FIS Ski Cross World Cup calendar 2020/21 click HERE.