Trondheim will host the Nordic Ski World Championships from February 26 to March 9, with veteran Johannes Rydzek participating for the eighth time. Having secured six gold medals, Rydzek is optimistic about his team’s potential after a successful season. He noted a shift in competition dynamics with strong performances from German athletes. Eager to harness the energy of the Norwegian fans, Rydzek emphasizes the need for a positive mindset and aggressive strategy to achieve podium finishes.
Upcoming Nordic Ski World Championships in Trondheim
From February 26 to March 9, Trondheim will host the much-anticipated Nordic Ski World Championships. For athletes specializing in Nordic combined, this event marks a significant highlight of the season. Veteran competitor Johannes Rydzek enters the championships with an attitude filled with excitement, determination, and a spirited fighting mentality.
Rydzek’s Experience and Team Momentum
This marks Johannes Rydzek’s eighth appearance at the World Championships. The accomplished athlete from Allgäu has celebrated six gold medal victories throughout his career. This season, Rydzek and his teammates have demonstrated remarkable performance, securing four victories and twelve podium finishes. In contrast, the entire previous season yielded only three third-place finishes in individual events.
In a recent podcast, Rydzek reflected on his recent win in Ruka, the motivation that drives him, and his insights on the future of Nordic combined. He noted a significant shift in the competitive landscape, stating, “Jarl realizes that we are much closer now; he can no longer solve everything so confidently and is starting to think.” This statement comes after a strong showing from German athletes, who have proven they can contend against reigning champion Jarl Magnus Riiber.
Rydzek expressed optimism about the upcoming championships, emphasizing that the DSV team has the potential to achieve great success, recalling the last championship title won in 2019 by current national coach Eric Frenzel. He believes that his teammates, particularly Geiger and Schmid, have made considerable improvements after a challenging last season. “Now we are closer again; now it’s about the podium and the victory,” he affirmed.
Other talented German combiners such as Manuel Faißt, Wendelin Thannheimer, and David Mach are also gearing up for the competition. Rydzek highlighted their strong training performances and the positive momentum building within the team. “When a team gains momentum, anything is possible,” he added.
As the championships unfold in Norway, a country renowned for its passion for skiing, Rydzek is eager to embrace the energy of the enthusiastic fans. “You can make use of the energy of the spectators. I’m happy that so many people are here. This is also my race and not just the Norwegians’,” he remarked, recalling the absence of spectators during the 2021 World Championship in his hometown of Oberstdorf due to the pandemic.
Discussing his prospects at the World Championships, Rydzek stated, “I must trust my strengths.” He emphasized the importance of an aggressive approach, where only top-three finishes count during major events. “You have to get into the mode where you turn the tension into something positive,” he concluded, sharing his winning mindset as he approaches this significant competition.