Florian Göbel, the veteran Pro Tour skier from Endless Local Nordic Team, has been around long-distance skiing for some years. ProXCskiing talked to the German athlete to learn a bit more about his background, his future ambitions, and how he is helping the development of his team.
How was your last season? Can you describe the best and worst moments?
“I have had problems with my left shoulder since the middle of January. Unfortunately, I suffered from nerve inflammation, forcing me to end my season after Vasaloppet.”
“Fortunately, there were also nice moments for me. Being able to compete with the best long-distance skiers is a privilege, even though I know that at the age of 50, I no longer have the potential to be at the top. But skiing is simply a passion for me.”
How and where will your summer training take place?
“More than 90% of my summer training takes place at my home in Willingen (Germany). I am fortunate enough to train right out of my house on rollerskis. I have excellent conditions to do all summer training sports, like cycling on the road or in the forest, jogging, kayaking, and more. And if it suits my team, I will be happy to invite them to my place so we can see each other and train together in the summer.”
“In late summer, if time allows, I’m going to Livigno for training. And as soon as the first snow falls, I will be in Livigno or Scandinavia.”
How did you become a Ski Classics skier?
“I discovered cross-country skiing at the age of 14 in Berlin (West) at my school, and since then, I have always organized my whole life around the sport with enthusiasm. I came to Ski Classics about 6 or 7 years ago. When you get older in sports, you look for new challenges that suit you better. And the long races suit you a bit better as you get older.”
Do you think long-distance skiing is becoming more popular in Germany?
“In Germany, long-distance skiing is not as popular as in Scandinavia or other countries, and I don’t think that will change much in the next few years. Unfortunately, there is a lack of successful athletes who bring the sport closer to the media, and therefore to the people.”
“For our team, participating in Ski Classics is always a big financial effort. I can say that every season costs me about 10,000 euros, and then I give a little financial support to the team. But if you do something so gladly, it is easy.”
What do you do besides sports?
“I started my own business 20 years ago with a small hotel, which belonged to Jochen Behle (former top cross-country skier and national coach in Germany).”
“Nowadays, I have two hotels, with over 200 beds and corresponding employees, which gives me a lot of joy and variety in addition to the sport.”
What are your goals for next season?
“My goals for the coming season are to be healthy again and do as many races as possible. And now and then, to stand on the back of the skis of some younger skiers and let them feel my breathing. I am also looking forward to traveling, getting to know the countries and the people, and discovering new places.”
