As the Winter approaches, Pro Team athletes are hard at work, fine-tuning their skills and conditioning for the upcoming Ski Classics Season XV. ProXCskiing.com caught up with a rising Czech star in the long-distance skiing circuit to discuss her summer training regimen, past achievements, and aspirations for the future.
Sandra Schützová, Vltava Fund Ski Team, had a solid performance last season. After placing in the podium at the Czech Republic’s long-distance roller ski race, Energamo Lipnolopet, Sandra was able to keep a consistent top-10 classification throughout the entire Ski Classics Season XIV, with her best results (9th place) at Jizerská50 and Pustertaler Ski Marathon.
Read More: Challengers event Energamo Lipnolopet this weekend in the Czech Republic.
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On Saturday, October 7, Energamo Lipnolopet will take place in the Czech Republic. The 55km long-distance roller ski race in classic technique is part of the Ski Classics Challengers series and will be broadcast live on SC Play.
You can follow Energamo Lipnolopet live on SC Play from 9:55 CET with Ski Classics Sports Director and former Pro Team athlete Anton Karlsson and Teemu Virtanen leading the viewers through the broadcast on SC Play.
Energamo Lipnolopet – Live Here on SC Play!
Looking back at her performance last season, the Czech Pro Team athlete said, “Last year, I set top 10 as a goal for the season, so I was very happy that I managed to get to the top 10 in the overall ranking.”
However, her season wasn’t without its challenges. “Unfortunately, after Vasaloppet, I was ill with Epstein-Barr virus, so I had to skip Birkebeinerrennet, and the last two races, I went not properly prepared, and I suffered a lot during the races,” she explained.
For the upcoming season, the Czech skier has her sights set higher: “I would like to get into the top 6 next season. I believe it is in my power as I feel the progression, so I’m very curious and motivated about what the next season will bring,” she declared. Her determination to continue improving is evident, and her goals are high.
Solid summer training
Sandra reflected on her summer training efforts, stating, “So far, everything goes in the right direction, so I’m satisfied. Compared to last year, I added hours to volume and intensity. I feel much more comfortable in the double poling, and I hope it will be visible.”
Regarding training locations, she revealed her preference for altitude training, sharing, “I like to practice altitude training, so I was on two campsites in Livigno where I could make use of it.”
Her dedication to cross-training was also evident: “Certainly, it plays a big role in my training. I spend a lot of time in the gym, around 2-3 times a week. I exercise mainly with weight, practice gymnastic exercises, and of course, aerobic training.”
She pointed to her perseverance when asked about the key to her success in Ski Classics racing. “I think my advantage is perseverance, which surprised me for the first year in Ski Classics,” she noted and added:
“In the last season, it was my premiere of mainly training for long-distance races, and I could already feel the difference.”
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Also Read: Sandra Schützová: “I would like to jump into long-distance skiing completely.”
But another vital part of her journey has been her Pro Team, Vltava Fund Ski Team, and she expressed the importance of their support and camaraderie.
“I always look forward to having common training camps together with the team. We can motivate each other and cooperate a lot. I think this is an ideal condition for working in a team.”
Finally, Sandra Schützová talked about her hope for the sport in her home country, saying, “I believe if more people see that Czech skiers are on good ranks overall in comparison to other countries, it can motivate the future kids and young people to extend the Czech teams and represent our country.”
Top Photo: Reichert/NordicFocus
