Andreas Nygaard, Team Ragde Eiendom, has won the yellow Champion bib in season IX and season X. Now he aims to be the first male athlete with three straight victories.
“Winning for the third year in a row is a big goal. I must be honest to say that,” states Nygaard.
We checked Andreas’s current status shortly after he has finished his day at the University of Tromsø in northern Norway, where he does his medical studies.
Do you have any snow to train on?
“It’s a bit white outside, and yesterday it was possible to go to the heights around here to ski. Now, however, it is mild and rainy, so we have to wait a bit before skiing again.”
What do you say about Visma Ski Classics plan B for season XI?
“I was happy to see that Ski Classics could present a good alternative event program. Now we have to hope that it is possible to realize the plan.”
Does the later start of the season affect your preparations?
“It will be a little different. Of course, you should use every day to become a better skier, but you don’t need to recharge right now mentally. There is a difference between performing in a ski competition in a few weeks or a few months.”
How has the training gone for you during the bare dryland season?
“It has gone quite well, I think, but it is some other athletes in the Pro team who have been strongest during the intervals at our training camps.”
It will now be even closer between the competitions in the new race schedule. How do you deal with that?
“A tight program suits me well. But it will be essential to start the season in the right way. Then it will be race, rest, race, rest, and keep repeating it. You should not be in top shape right from the start. The form should come more towards Marcialonga.”
Maricalonga is the first event of the new crown jewel during the Pro Tour season, Grand Classics. Who will be the first to take a Grand Slam?
“As I see it, Petter (Eliassen) is the one that has the potential to take a Grand Slam.”
And are you aiming for the yellow Champion bib again?
“Winning for the third year in a row is a big goal. I’m honest to say.”
What do you say about the new Årefjällsloppet 100 km?
“It feels great! I’m glad it’s going to be such a long race. It’s the right way to go. Just a pity that it is on the same day as Nordenskiöldsloppet.”
How is it going with the medical studies?
“Now, during the autumn, I am studying full time. From January 1, I take a break over the winter.”
How does this affect your training?
“As it is now, there will be a lot of two short training sessions per day. A lot on SkiErg and treadmills. I don’t have the opportunity to train optimally for now. So for me, it’s kind of ideal that the season starts later.”
How much time do you have left in your studies?
“I’m studying for the fourth year of six here in Tromsø. It is progressing slowly but surely.”
