Norwegian sprint coach Ulf Morten Aune is excited that the season premier in this year’s sprint World Cup in Düsseldorf, Germany is set to start as early as October 25th. The Norwegian team is currently doing their preparations in Val Senales, Italy and Oberhof, Germany.
“I think this is very good. It gives us the media and fan attention that we needâ€. The European media and fans are showing great interest for the early races. National Team member Trond Einar Elden agrees:
“I think that it’s great with this early start. It’s important to be the first ski discipline getting going. The fans are now very hungry for winter sportâ€.
The Norwegian sprinters are planning on staying in Val Senales until October 20th. At that point they will move down to the lower elevation in Oberhof and do their last preparations before the races in Düsseldorf.
Aune believes in a few days at lower elevation before the races following problems last year after going straight from high altitude to the first races.
“We think that’s a good place to stay for last minute fine-tune of technique and racing skills. We’ll do one hard session thereâ€.
– How much emphasis are you putting on the races in Düsseldorf?
“Not 100%, but they are handing out just as many World Cup points in these races as in any races later in the seasonâ€.
Aune makes no doubt about the team’s desire to race fast and do well.
– Are you going to reduce the training in October (to ensure good results)?
“We are reducing it a bit the last week before the races. We need to remember the rest of the season. The next sprint race is in December so it should not be a problem with a small peak at the end of Novemberâ€.
Beitostolen, Norway is next up on the World Cup Calendar after Düsseldorf.
