By Teemu Virtanen
The Polish ski legend Justyna Kowalczyk, 36, has been a regular face in our Visma Ski Classics events, and everyone has witnessed how she truly likes long distance skiing and being part of the family. She represents the Italian team Team Trentino Robinson Trainer, which is led by a former pro athlete Bruno Debertolis.
This season, Justyna has already performed in three races; the Individual Prologue in Livigno, Italy, Kaiser Maximilian Lauf in Seefeld, Austria, and Marcialonga in Italy. She has been on the podium twice, both times third, and she will certainly participate in some of the events in the latter part of the season. She has five wins in the tour since she started victoriously in Vasaloppet, 2015.
Now, Justyna is going to race in the upcoming FIS World Championships in Nordic Skiing in Seefeld. She retired from active pro racing last spring, and since then she has been the assistant coach of the Polish National Team.
The Chairman of the Polish Ski Association Apoloniusz Tajner has revealed in an interview conducted by Sportsinwinter.pl that Justyna will both race and act as the assistant coach in Seefeld. Justyna confirmed the info on her Twitter account on Wednesday, and she will participate in the team sprint relay and the 4 x 5 km relay. She also leaves the door open for her possible participation in the 10 km classic race.
We all wonder if she is going to race in Vasaloppet on Sunday, March 3rd, which is most likely as her races in Seefeld will take place before the “Sälen-Mora march” and they could work as great final preparations for the longest ski race in Visma Ski Classics.
Justyna – good luck in Seefeld and see you in Sweden!
