The cross-country skiing season begins in Ruka, Finland, on November 29, 2024, with national coach Peter Schlickenrieder discussing the team’s goals for improvement and preparations. Emphasizing progress over mere podium finishes, he highlights the importance of managing athletes’ energy and the upcoming Tour de Ski’s sustainability. Schlickenrieder reflects on his rewarding coaching journey since 2018 and expresses a desire to nurture young talent for the future of German cross-country skiing.
On Friday, November 29, 2024, the cross-country skiing season kicks off in Ruka, Finland, before moving on to Lillehammer and Davos in December. National coach Peter Schlickenrieder shares insights on the season’s ambitions, his athletes’ preparations, and his outlook for the future.
Setting Goals for the Season
When reflecting on the upcoming season, Schlickenrieder emphasizes the importance of progress. “Success for us means our athletes making measurable strides and closing the gap to the world elite. For stars like Victoria Carl and Friedrich Moch, achieving the podium places they aspire to is crucial. We aim for a two to three percent improvement, but it varies individually. Even a 50th place can be a reason for celebration if it indicates progress towards the top contenders,” he explains.
Preparation and Performance Insights
As the season approaches, Schlickenrieder notes that the team is still finding its rhythm. “This summer, we opted for a rigorous training regimen in the mountains of Goms, Switzerland, which has taken a toll on the athletes. Fatigue was evident during the autumn months. However, recent preparations have rekindled my optimism, despite challenges in comparing our performance with other countries,” he comments.
Injuries have also shaped the team’s dynamics. Lucas Bögl, who underwent surgery following a mountain biking accident, is recovering well. “The timing of the fall was unfortunate, but Lucas responded quickly to rehabilitation. His focus on strength and preventive training during recovery may serve him well,” Schlickenrieder adds.
Regarding top athletes like Friedrich Moch, Katharina Hennig, and Victoria Carl, Schlickenrieder expresses confidence. “Moch dealt with COVID in October but bounced back swiftly. Hennig faced a longer recovery, while Carl managed her training volumes effectively, pushing through challenges to emerge strong. I’m optimistic about our team’s performance as we enter the season,” he says.
As the team prepares for the World Championships in Trondheim, starting February 26, Schlickenrieder highlights the athletes’ self-set goals for medals. “It’s essential for the athletes to define their own targets. My role is to ensure they don’t become overwhelmed by ambition. We aim for continuous improvement rather than just participation,” he states.
Managing the athletes’ energy throughout the season is critical, as Schlickenrieder explains. “We focus on load management, ensuring not every race is a must-attend. Sustainable success is our goal, not just peak performance at the World Championships,” he notes.
The upcoming Tour de Ski, taking place entirely in Italy for the first time, is viewed positively by Schlickenrieder. “This change benefits the environment, athletes, and coaches alike. Focusing on sustainability is vital for the future of our sport. The venues, like Toblach and Val di Fiemme, are beautiful and familiar to us, adding to our competitive spirit,” he remarks.
As discussions about athlete participation in the Tour de Ski arise, Schlickenrieder maintains that the event remains significant. “We carefully consider how to allocate our athletes across events to avoid overtraining. The Tour de Ski is a cherished highlight for us, and every athlete values the opportunity to compete,” he affirms.
Reflecting on his tenure as national coach, which began in 2018 with an initial plan to serve until 2022, Schlickenrieder expresses his enjoyment in the role. “I find this journey incredibly rewarding. The team’s growth year after year has been fulfilling. Initially, I aimed to secure a World Championship medal, but I now appreciate the excitement of pushing our limits together,” he shares.
Looking ahead, Schlickenrieder has a dream for the future of German cross-country skiing. “My hope is to someday witness the current generation of young athletes thrive in their careers. I envision a sport where enthusiasm for cross-country skiing flourishes among children, ensuring a steady stream of talent to the world stage,” he concludes.
To achieve this vision, Schlickenrieder believes further focus on youth development is necessary. “We must place greater emphasis on nurturing young talent, as we may have overlooked this aspect in the past,” he insists.