By Johan Trygg
Bob Impola has been part of Visma Ski Classics in several seasons. His former team decided to close down after season X and he hasen’t signed for another Pro Team for season XI.
However, 28-year-old Bob is training as usual, and the plan is to compete in Swedish long-distance races for his club SK Bore and then focus on being in top shape at Vasaloppet.
“I aim to be among the best in Vasaloppet. Right now, it is about doing the training that is required,” says Bob.
After a break in his skiing career, Bob made an impressive move into Ski Classics when he finished in 5th place at La Sgambeda back in December 2016. Then Bob was a bit away from the podium before he took a surprising second place in Vasaloppet 2018.
After the second place in Vasaloppet he has not been close to the podium again. Last season Bob’s best achievement came in Vasaloppet when he was part of the second group and finished 14th.
“I didn’t do any real top races last winter, but at Vasaloppet, it went quite okay. I was a bit sluggish at the start of season X,” says Bob.
Previously, Bob’s main focus was on skiing but now he works 60 % as a welder.
“It works well to have another job and we will see how I can balance my jobs in the winter,” Bob thinks.
Bob will compete in long distance races in Sweden, for example, Challengers like Craft Ski Marathon. A race he won last winter. The first Sunday in March, Bob gets to meet the other Pro Team athletes Ski Classics again.
“I aim to be among the best in Vasaloppet. Right now, it is about doing the training that is required,” Bob states.
After Team Serneke was closed down, Bob was in contact with a few Pro Teams, but there has, so far, been no new contract for him.
“None of the proposals suited me but I’m still interested in joining a Pro Team. If I would receive an offer that suits me, I would gladly race in Ski Classics again. I have enjoyed the last seasons in the Pro Tour,” Bob ends.
