Jan Šrail, a Ski Classics Pro Tour athlete from the Vltava Fund Ski Team, has been showing solid performances recently. In an exclusive interview with Šrail, ProXCskiing learned more about his recent successes and his goals for the upcoming Birkebeinerrennet.

Jan Šrail’s best performance in Ski Classics was at Grönklitt ITT, where he placed eighth. He described the race as ‘beautiful,’ with a profile that suited his strengths. Everything fell into place for him that day, including his skis and wax service. 

“It was a beautiful race. The profile of the race really fits me. It was one of the first races this season where I felt very good,” says Jan and continues:

“At the beginning of the season, I did not spend much time on snow, so it took me much longer to get used to racing on snow as well. I would welcome more time trial races like this in Ski Classics.”

At Vasaloppet two weeks ago, Šrail finished 23rd, which he attributed to his clear head and excellent physical shape. He had great skis during the race and could focus entirely on racing.

“My body was in great shape before Vasaloppet, partially due to the result at Grönklitt. I had great skis again during the race and finally a clear head as well. Everything with the birth of my first child three months ago has settled down, so I could focus fully on racing.”

Šrail will be starting in his third Birkebeinerrennet, finishing 32nd last year. He almost didn’t make it to the race due to work, but he was able to manage it in the end. 

“I was not sure until the last minute if I could race because of my work duties. But I am happy I was able to manage it at the end and will be able to compete on Saturday (today),” says Jan Šrail and concludes with his goals for Birkebeinerrennet:

“My goal is to get a better result than last year and be in the top 20.”

With Jan Šrail’s recent successes and ambitious goals, he’s one to watch in the upcoming Birkebeinerrennet. 

The Season XIV of Ski Classics Pro Tour consists of 14 events on 10 event weekends in 6 different countries. 

Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XIV (2022/2023)

• Event 1: December 10, 2022 – Bad Gastein PTT, Bad Gastein, Austria, 15km
• Event 2: December 11, 2022 – Bad Gastein Criterium, Bad Gastein, Austria, 35km
• Event 3: December 17, 2022 – La Venosta Criterium, Val Venosta, Italy, 36km 
• Event 4: January 14, 2023 – Pustertaler Ski Marathon, Sexten, Italy, 62km
• Event 5: January 15, 2023 – Prato Piazza Mountain Challenge, Niederdorf, Italy, 32km
• Event 6: January 21, 2023 – Engadin La Diagonela, Engadin Valley, Switzerland, 48km 
• Event 7: January 29, 2023 – Marcialonga, Trentino, Italy, 70km
• Event 8: February 12, 2023 – Jizerská50, Bedrichov, Czech Republic, 50km
• Event 9: February 18, 2023 – Grönklitt Criterium, Orsa Grönklitt, Sweden, 50km
• Event 10: February 19, 2023 – Grönklitt ITT, Orsa Grönklitt, Sweden, 12km
• Event 11: March 5, 2023 – Vasaloppet, Sälen-Mora, Sweden, 90km
• Event 12: March 18, 2023 – Birkebeinerrennet, Rena-Lillehammer, Norway, 54km
• Event 13: April 1, 2023 – Reistadløpet, Setermoen-Bardufoss, Norway, 40km
• Event 14: April 2, 2023 – Summit 2 Senja, Bardufoss- Finnsnes, Norway, 67km

More information about the Ski Classics Pro Tour you can find at skiclassics.com.