World Cup experience

Main races of this season were World Cup races and the European Championship. We were supposed to take part in the World Cup round in Norway and Sweden. As last year, I got sick in january. I got antibiotics. The was supposed to take the last pill just the day before the first World Cup race. My start in races seemed to be over. But the coach decided it is worth of getting some exepriences in senior class and I was allowed to start.

It was definitely a big experience, especially when I got a GPS device (for the first time in my life) for my tracking. Races were very tough and longer than I was used to from junior class. In the combination with sickness in last days I felt really bad and powerless during the races. I ended up at 31st and 29nd position (middle distance with mass start and sprint the day after).

After these two races we moved to Sweden. There were two days rest between till the next round which was held in Sweden, Grönklitt. Jopp, that Grönklitt where I spent me previous skiing year. I was really excited to compete there at my "second home ground". Even some classmates from Mora school came to cheer! I didn't feel much better than in Norway but it was good for me, the Grönklitt terrain was a little bit less hilly than Norwegian terrain. Also it was already some days after the sickness and I was collecting my powers again.

My results were more than less same as in Norway but there were more stronger runners in this round so probably I performed a little bit better here. The last day was a long distance and I felt again a little bit sick. Hanka Hančíková felt similar but she decided to run so I did. It was a very long stuggle all over the course. It was my very first long distance in senior class and it was a proper one! I didn't wish anything just to be already back and lie down in a bed. After 1,5hour my dream came true. Something to learn from this race: don't compete when not being healthy!

With these results I didn't qualify to the European Champs but I didn't even plan it for this season. My plan was to get some valuable experience in the elite class and so I did. Now, there is a lot of work ahead of me for next season. i will come healthier, better and stronger!