Kati Roivas, Team Eksjöhus, established herself as a regular top-10 finisher in the Ski Classics Pro Tour last winter. She was in the top ten in every race except for the Jizerská50 and Grönklitt ITT. Her best result came at the Engadin La Diagonela in Switzerland, which happens to be one of her favorite events.

“I like the course, and it suits me. Birkebeinerrennet and Marcialonga are also my favorite races on the Pro Tour,” Kati says as she prepares for the upcoming La Venosta weekend.

Speaking of La Venosta, what are your goals now after Bad Gastein?

“I’m actually looking forward to feeling better and performing at my best compared to Bad Gastein. The most important races are still ahead.”

The season has just begun, and the real action starts after the Christmas break. Kati Roivas aims high, with her sights set on the podium. Maastohiihto.com asked her about her training, her new team, long-distance skiing, and its development. The Pro Team athlete from Team Eksjöhus admitted that she is on a path that may lead her to the top of the sport.

How did your summer training go, and did you change your training program?

“The summer went well, and I could train and go on longer training camps with good health after switching teams. In the big picture, I haven’t made many changes to my training, perhaps just a clearer structure in my periodization, and I’ve also been doing more classic and freestyle skiing compared to the last couple of years. However, I still focus the most on double poling.”

How do you see your development as a long-distance skier looking ahead to this season?

“We’ve been working a lot on technique with my coach, and I’ve had the opportunity to do interval training with the team during training camps, which has challenged me in a different way than before, so I believe it has improved my capacity.”

What do you still need to develop for the coming years?

“I think uphill sections are still my strength. I need to further develop my speed on flat terrain with a high pace.”

What are the most essential qualities a long-distance skier needs to have?

“Endurance, but also speed is essential. Tactical expertise within a group is significant.”

Could you describe your new team and what it has provided for you?

“I’ve been really happy with it. There’s been an increase in professionalism. The support team, coaching staff, and other support services have reached a level where I can focus on my training and competing.”

What are your expectations for the current season, and what are your goals?

“I want to challenge the top skiers. Last season was consistent and good, but perhaps a standout performance was missing.”

What is your long-term goal in Ski Classics?

“To reach my full potential. The podium and performing well in classic races are my main targets.”

What is the current state of long-distance skiing in Finland, and how could it be improved?

“It seems that interest in long-distance skiing has increased, and it’s nice to see a few new young skiers from Finland trying Ski Classics. However, we are still far behind Sweden and Norway regarding visibility and recognition.”

How could Ski Classics be further developed?

“In the big picture, Ski Classics is still relatively unknown outside the skiing community. Increasing awareness and media coverage could generate more interest. It would also be great to have a Ski Classics Pro Tour event back in Finland.”

What else is currently a part of your life besides skiing?

“My daily life revolves pretty much around skiing.”

To conclude the interview, it’s good to ask if the Finnish Ski Classics star has any idols or who she admired when she was younger.

“I don’t have a specific skier in mind, but especially when I was younger, I followed the top skiers of that time and their accomplishments,” Kati says with a smile.

A smile is certainly needed in this demanding sport, where the rugged and enduring tend to succeed. Kati Roivas has shown that she possesses the toughness required to reach the top. Her goals are as ambitious as they should be, and this season could be when the Finnish female skier makes it to the Ski Classics podium. Kati wants to be that skier, and she’s doing everything to achieve that goal.

You can check Kati Roivas’ results in Ski Classics races here. Read here the thoughts of Finnish skiers after the Bad Gastein races.

Next up is La Venosta Criterium on December 16 and La Venosta ITT on December 17, 2023. The events mark the third and fourth Ski Classics stages, Season XV.

Read More: All you need to know ahead of La Venosta weekend 

The Season XV of Ski Classics Pro Tour consists of 15 events on 11 event weekends in 6 different countries.

Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XV (2023/2024)

• Event 1: December 9, 2023 – Bad Gastein PTT, Austria, 13km
• Event 2: December 10, 2023 – Bad Gastein Criterium, Austria, 36km
• Event 3: December 16, 2023 – La Venosta Criterium, Italy, 37km 
• Event 4: December 17, 2023 – La Venosta ITT, Italy, 10km
• Event 5: January 13, 2024 – 3 Zinnen Ski Marathon, Italy, 62km
• Event 6: January 20, 2024 – Engadin La Diagonela, Switzerland, 56km
• Event 7: January 28, 2024 – Marcialonga, Italy, 70km
• Event 8: February 11, 2024 – Jizerská50, Czech Republic, 50km
• Event 9: February 17, 2024 – Grönklitt Classic, Sweden, 60km
• Event 10: February 18, 2024 – Grönklitt ITT, Sweden, 13km
• Event 11: March 3, 2024 – Vasaloppet, Sweden, 90km
• Event 12: March 16, 2024 – Birkebeinerrennet, Norway, 54km
• Event 13: April 6, 2024 – Reistadløpet, Norway, 50km
• Event 14: April 7, 2024 – Summit 2 Senja, Norway, 60km
• Event 15: April 13, 2024 – Ski Classics Grand Finale – Janteloppet, Norway, 100km

More information about the Ski Classics Pro Tour can be found at skiclassics.com