Pierre-Julien DELOCHE: “We had a mutual trust that was so natural”

Reigning compound men’s world number one PJ DELOCHE arrived in Wroclaw this week with two objectives: to collect an individual spot for the World Cup Final in Lausanne and stay ahead of the chasing USA in the mixed team rankings.

DELOCHE is currently ranked eighth individually, with the top seven in line for Lausanne selection – but he’s only two points behind the archer in seventh, and just five points away from sixth. Qualification is by no means out of reach.

Whether it’s DELOCHE or teammate Sebastien PEINEAU shooting in the Wroclaw mixed team competition – whoever shoots highest on the ranking round – one of the Frenchman will look to retain France’s two-point lead in the rankings with rookie Amelie SANCENOT.

“She’s a young girl,” said DELOCHE, of the woman who has replaced DODEMONT. “She’s already had some good results in France and she’s here to use her talents in the senior ranks.”

Wroclaw is Amelie’s first international competition as a senior but, according to DELOCHE, “she’s not seeming to feel much pressure”.

PJ would have liked to defend that mixed team first place with Sophie DODEMENT, who announced her retirement after the European Archery Championships in Armenia less than two weeks ago: “Sophie and I go together very, very well. Close to perfect. We were a magic duo… everything was simple.”

“We had a mutual trust that was so natural.”

DELOCHE admits he will miss Sophie, a lot – but he’s not the only one. Her experience across bowstyles – recurve and compound – and disciplines was valuable to the whole French team.

“Sophie has so much experience, and she likes to pass it on – sometimes transmitting that knowledge by a little look or attitude,” DELOCHE explained. “The experience shone from her. She was a leader for the team.”

DODEMONT will continue to shoot in France, but just for fun.

DELOCHE looks forward to joining her: “it will be a laugh!” Before that, though, his focus is on Wroclaw – because DELOCHE still wants to qualify for Lausanne.

Since he hasn’t had a proper holiday since the age of 19, Pierre-Julien did admit it’s time he took a vacation. After a season of family problems and winding down his career in the navy combined with maintaining his number one world ranking, the Frenchman deserves a rest.

Cryptically, DELOCHE mentioned a post he’s writing for his website. It will reminisce on the last seven years, he said, and reveal what he plans for his own future.

Competition at the fourth 2014 Archery World Cup stage in Wroclaw starts on Wednesday 6 August. Check event news, and visit World Archery’s Facebook page and @worldarchery on Twitter for coverage.