Coming off of several top performances in the recent SuperTour races at Soldier Hollow as well as a strong finish in the Italian marathon “La Sgambeda”, Lars Flora looks set to take another big step forward this season. Fasterskier.com was able to ask him a few questions as he was getting ready to race at U.S. Nationals:
You've had a strong start to the season so far, both in Europe as
well as at the Soldier Hollow SuperTour races. Do you feel you're on track
for your best race results ever this season?
My preparations for the race season have been great. I have stayed healthy and my confidence is very high at the moment. If all goes to plan my race results will see a boost in the month of February.
You seem to have dealt with the trans-atlantic travel very well. Any
special “tricks” or things you pay attention to when doing a lot of
traveling during the race season?
Traveling over the Atlantic can be a little tricky. Especially when the travel is sandwiched in between the races. Most importantly I try to rest before I travel so I can start training right when I arrive at the race site. Plus I try to make it to the weight room in the first two days. It seems to help the body adjust.
How did you feel this time around on the Soldier Hollow race courses?
In the past I have struggled at Soldier Hollow. In 2002 I went from second to last at the Gold Cup at SoHo to winning my first national title and placing 3rd in the 30km at Bozeman Nationals. This time around I skied very strong on the SoHo courses. I was especially happy due to my travel schedule.
![](http://images.fasterskier.com/oldsitearchive/upload/050103SoHosupertourdec2004cropped.jpg width=182 height=300 border=1><br />
<BR><font size=1 face=verdana>Lars Competes in the SuperTour 30k Pursuit at Soldier Hollow, December 15th 2004</font></center><BR><br />
<I>What areas are you focusing on in preparation for the upcoming US<br />
Nationals?</I><br />
Christmas break is always nice to take a little break. Being home with my family and girlfriend is one of the best times of the winter. At the same time, a little break is all I needed. I have picked up the training the last five days and yesterday’s interval session went great.</p>
<p><I>Did you make any adjustments to your training this summer and fall that you feel have made a significant difference, or has it simply been a gradual buildup year after year to get to where<br />
you are now? </I><br />
I believe it has been a gradual buildup year after year. Every year I become more and more consistent with my training and racing. I increased the intensity this year, but it led to being over-trained in September. Luckily I was able to realize my mistake and recover before the season started. </p>
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