Original text by Øyvind Moen Fjeld, English text by Teemu Virtanen
Over the past few years, Andreas Nygaard has built up to become one of the biggest profiles in Visma Ski Classics. In total, he has won the Champion title twice and has 12 individual victories in the Pro Tour, including a win in both birkebeinerrennet and Vasaloppet. Last season was challenging due to the fact that Nygaard froze his fingers at La Diagonela and had to miss several races. He did not find the top form again until the spring when he won the 100 km long season finale Årefjällsloppet.
Pro Team athletes do not start their season until the end of December. They also do not need to qualify for the races they want to go and can thus have less pressure than their counterparts in standard distances. Andreas Nygaard has chosen to leave the country just before the start of the season to find peace in Livigno, Italy.
"Right now, it's among the finest conditions for skiing in Europe," says Andreas when our affiliate site Langrenn.com calls to see how altitute training is going under the Italian sun.
“It was perfect that 40 cm of snow has come here in the last few days. This means that you don't have to just ski on the artificial snow trail. The weather forecast ahead looks very good, so it is really looking great. This morning it was 17 degrees when I went out and minus 2 when I came in," Nygaard explains.
Andreas plans to stay in Livigno for three weeks, and on November 15, he will be joined by several teammates in Team Ragde Charge.
”We have to follow the tradition, which means a trip down to Livigno before Christmas. In ten days, Anders (Aukland), Johan (Hoel) and Oskar (Kardin) will come down with Magnar. Then we will get some skis tested.”
After many years in the long distance circuit, "The Bull from Burfjord, Norway" has gained a lot of experience on how his body works at high altitude.
“There won't be any hocus pocus. A lot of easy-paced training and the occasional controlled hard workout is what works best for me.”
When he goes home to Tromsø, he will stay there for a while before going to Sjusjøen for a preparation camp for the season opening in Orsa, Sweden. So far, he is very pleased with his training.
“It has worked out well, and I've been able to do what I'm supposed to do lately. But it's not that easy to take new steps every year, at least not when you've passed 30. It's about keeping your hands on the wheel and hoping it's okay. I’ve had some trouble with my back through the summer and fall. A few weeks ago, I had it x-rayed, and the pictures show that I have a disc bulge, but lately it hasn't bothered me at all. Then let's hope it stays like this.
Since Nygaard is a two-time Champion, it goes without saying that the yellow jersey is his goal again. The battle for victories, on the other hand, will be tougher and tougher.
"Many people have the opportunity to deliver top results. There is no reason to believe that Emil (Persson) is going to be somewhat worse off this winter. As long as he keeps the same level as last year, he's going to be in the lead. Tord (Asle Gjerdalen) and Martin (Johnsrud Sundby) are experienced skiers who are going to be dangerous. Max Novak has shown on roller-skis what he is capable of. If he manages to do something close to the same on skis, he will hard to beat. Then I have two or three teammates who seem to be strong. If we add Morten Eide Pedersen and Stian Hoelgaard, there will be quite a few who can win races this winter.”
