By Theresa Fugger
Shortly before Visma Ski Classics Season XI starts in Switzerland, we got some updates from the German Pro Teams, which are blessed with good snow conditions on home territory.
The former Visma Ski Classics Pro Team Nordic People starts the season with the name endless local Nordic Team with a new sponsor. Most athletes from the old team stayed while Patrick Ottilinger and Meg Lane joined from Team Tri Nordic Coaching. The Pro team now consists of athletes that live in many different regions.
“It was essential that we got snow in the regions where we all live in order to avoid excessive traveling before the season start,” says Pro Team athlete Michael Kuisle.
The American addition to the team, Meg Lane, decided to move her base to Davos to get the best possible preparations for the season opening. Christian Winkler was on tour with the German National Paralympics team as a technician and could therefore gain many snow kilometers.
“Our training was not much affected by the pandemic. Except from indoor strength training, everything was possible, and it seems that we are in good form,” remarks Kuisle.
Part of the team will stay in the Alps between La Diagonela and Toblach-Cortina and benefit from the best snow conditions. All other athletes will have to get back to their home bases.
Another German Pro Team, who has been competing in Visma Ski Classics for a few years, xc-ski.de AIN Skimarathon Team, is preparing for Season XI mostly on an individual basis.
“Our Swiss athletes are lucky to have perfect snow conditions and can even meet up to complete some team training and team intern test races in Davos,” says Sabine Freimuth, Pro Team Director.
“However, we don’t know yet who can really participate in the season opening in Zuoz as many of our team have full-time jobs.”
Top picture: Robin Frost, endless local Nordic Team, has great training conditions.
