By Teemu Virtanen
The year 2018 is now a page in the great book of life, and many happy and some sad things happened along the way as it's the way life goes. But now we all gaze upon the stars that the year 2019 may let shine on us and illuminate the path we all wander along.
One thing is certain though; Visma Ski Classics Season IX will be full of action, and it’s quite safe to say that it will be the greatest season so far. There are ten races left in the tour starting in Seefeld next week where Kaiser Maximilian Lauf takes place.
You can read about the events in our Pro Skiing magazine and on our website, and here are some selected quotes about those remaining events from various pro skiers. Enjoy this “snack reading” and get ready for the year that will be better than any other year before – that’s our New Year’s resolution!
Britta Johansson Norgren, Lager 157 Ski Team, about Kaiser Maximilian Lauf, January 12, 2019
“The weather is often sunny with the clear blue sky, but it can quickly turn and a snowstorm can take over. But the nice surroundings are the number one thing. Then, extensive and wide ski trails that are so close to the nature.”
Ilya Chernousov, ED System Bauer Ski Team, about La Diagonela, January 19, 2019:
“It’s a bit deceving as the course seems to be flat and easy, but racing so high up from the sea level can play some tricks on you. I like the race and the beautiful landscapes we are surrounded by, and the final climb to the town square is always challenging.”
Tord Asle Gjerdalen, Team Ragde Eiendom, about Marcialonga, January 27, 2019:
“It’s a perfect race with its Italian atmosphere where people are drinking beer and wine and enjoying the sun. It could be cold at the start, but it always warms up and no one remembers the chilly moments of the morning after the race. And of course, the final climb to Cavalese makes it special, and I find it really cool!”
Heli Heiskanen, Vltava Fund Ski Team, about Toblach-Cortina, February 2, 2019:
“I love the atmosphere and the nature of the race. I like the fact that there are many great climbs on the course. They are not that steep but really long. There are some fast downhill sections as well, but they are not too challenging. The location is extremely beautiful and I love skiing there before the race.”
Stanislav Řezáč, Slavia Pojistovna Team, about Jizerska 50, February 10, 2019
“I look forward to the Jizerská 50’ every year; I have it around the corner and I very much like the Jizera Mountains, their terrain and profiles. The Jizera Mountains have their own charm. I wouldn’t miss it for anything!”
Andreas Nygaard, Team Ragde Eiendom, and Lina Korsgren, Team Ramudden, respectively, about Vasaloppet, March 3, 2019
“Vasaloppet is truly a legendary race because of its length and the number of participants. The toughest climb starts right in the beginning when you cross the road after the start. I like it because I can feel my adrenaline pumping and I’m fully of energy.”
“There are so many feelings, expectations and memories for everyone standing in the start line, and not just for them but for the audience and TV viewers as well. Everyone has his or her own special emotion and relationship to the race, and the collective excitement positively grabs you by the throat.”
Seraina Boner, Team Jobstation Rossignol, about Engadin Skimarathon, March 10, 2019:
“The course is suitable for every skier, and doable even if one doesn’t necessarily reach the best possible shape before the race. For pro skiers, the challenge comes from tactical and mental aspects.”
Anders Aukland, Team Ragde Eiendom, about Birkebeinerrennet, March 16, 2019:
“Birken is the most famous race in Norway, and it has a great history. It’s a race with a little bit of everything; steep and long climbs, fast downhills, great double-poling sections, beautiful nature, splendid atmosphere… and we carry that backpack.”
Petter Eliassen, Team BN Bank, about Reistadløpet, April 6, 2019:
“I’d say the race is a tough mountain race, almost like backcountry – randonee- skiing in some parts of the race. And naturally the scenery is breathtaking!“
Astrid Øyre Slind, Team Koteng, about Ylläs-Levi, April 13, 2019:
”My best memory is the incredible feeling when the gap to my chasing opponents kept on growing as we where getting closer to the finish line. Skiing towards a victory gives you a rush of adrenalin and fills you with crazy happy feelings. Of course, there’s great nature and beautiful mountain top views, but the feeling of winning trumps it all.”
