Martin Jakš: “It was finally my best race in Ski Classics”

by ANDRÉ SANTOS • 30.12.2023
Martin Jakš
In a recent interview with ProXCskiing, Martin Jakš, eD system Silvini Team, offered insights into his current season in the Ski Classics, his return to long-distance skiing, and reflections on his illustrious career.

Martin Jakš, a Czech traditional cross-country skier and Pro Team athlete from the eD system Silvini Team, has carved a significant niche for himself in the world of winter sports. Born into a nation with a rich skiing tradition, Jakš quickly emerged as a talent to watch. His career, which spans over a decade, showcases a journey filled with persistent determination, skillful agility, and an unwavering passion for cross-country skiing.

Jakš’ journey began in the junior ranks, where he first made his mark. Displaying an innate understanding of the sport’s technical and physical demands, he rapidly ascended through the ranks. His transition to senior-level competitions was marked by a blend of enthusiasm and the maturity needed to compete against seasoned athletes.

Nowadays, he is still competing. For Ski Classics Season XV, Martins Jakš is a part of the eD system Silvini Team and started the Pro Tour season with a 35th place at Bad Gastein Criterium. 

The Start of the Season: A Test of Endurance and Strategy

Jakš began the Ski Classics Season XV with a mix of challenge and optimism. “First race-prolog was hard for me to keep the tempo of Thomas Bing,” he admits, yet he saw it as a beneficial warm-up. 

In the subsequent 35km Criterium race, despite a challenging start, he found his stride. “It was finally my best race in Ski Classics,” Jakš tells to Proxcskiing.com, though he recognizes there’s still “a lot of work for me to get better places.”

A Return to Long-Distance Skiing

After a pause from long-distance racing following 2017, where he was 11th at Reistadløpet and 26th at Birkebeinerrennet, Martin Jakš’ return in 2023 was sparked by an initial participation in a supporting role for the eD system Silvini team. This reignited his interest, particularly in double poling. 

“I want to try also double poling, so I also race other races,” he explains, indicating his enthusiasm for this new phase in his skiing journey.

Comparing the Rigors of Different Skiing Disciplines

With a career that includes Olympic participation and a medal, Martin Jakš offers insight into the demands of traditional skiing versus long-distance events. He notes that long-distance races now require intense, specialized training. 

“It is not enough to have only good physical [condition] from World Cup,” he says, adding that for him, it’s more about the enjoyment now, with a more relaxed atmosphere in these races.

Goals for the Season: A Balance of Ambition and Realism

Jakš has set his sights on Vasaloppet and the Jizerská50, balancing his ambition with the realities of his personal life. 

“I would like to participate in Vasaloppet because I never did,” he shares, candidly adding, “but it is a little bit difficult to find enough time for training together with work and a big family.”

Career Highlights: Moments of Triumph and Team Spirit

Reflecting on the pinnacle moments of his career, Martin fondly recalls the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. 

“The best moment was maybe when we won the bronze medal in relay. That was a big happiness for our team.” 

Martin Jakš also values his performances in the Pyeongchang Olympics, a testament to his enduring skill and commitment.

The article continues below.

Martin Jakš (CZE) during the 15km freestyle race at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang. Photo: Petter Arvidson/BILDBYRÅN

Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XV

The Season XV of Ski Classics Pro Tour consists of 15 events on 11 event weekends in 6 different countries. The season started in Bad Gastein, Austria, on December 9, 2023, and will end in Norway with the 100km Ski Classics Grand Finale Janteloppet on April 13, 2024.

Next up is the 3 Zinnen Ski Marathon in Italy on January 13, 2024. The event marks the fifth Ski Classics Pro Tour stage of Season XV.

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 Pro Tour can be found at skiclassics.com 

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