Max Novak has started this season strong, and after Sunday’s second place, he leads the race for the Yellow bib. Now, he hopes to peak just in time for Marcialonga.

Before this season, Novak adjusted his training plan to be in form during the latter half of the season, mainly focusing on the Grand Classics. Despite this, he has had a strong start, finishing in the top 10 in every race so far.

What has changed? Training less.

Also Read – Learn to train smart: How to avoid training stagnation

Novak’s Training Strategy: “I get in shape by training hard”

During Ski Classics Live Sessions last week, Novak talked about the lessons he took from last season.

“I was in my best form at the end of the season because we had some issues with equipment in the beginning, especially in Europe. That motivated me to keep fighting and show how good I am. That’s why I stayed focused and trained well at the end of the season. Thanks to that, I learned new things about my body and training,” he said and continued:

“The thing is that to push my form forward, I don’t push extra. I haven’t trained as much as before because I get in shape by training hard. So, it hasn’t been difficult not to be in form,” he explains further.

It has been three years since he won his first and so far only race in Ski Classics. This season, Novak hopes to be at the top of the podium again.

“I hope for a victory this season, of course. The training hasn’t been that great, but maybe that’s what I needed. Not having a great training season and then seeing the results in the winter.”

First podium of the season

During Sunday’s La Venosta ITT, Max took his first podium of the season, finishing behind Oskar Kardin, Lager 157 Ski Team. Now, he and his teammates from Team Aker Dählie are in Switzerland preparing for this weekend’s La Diagonela.

“I need to use this week to get in good training. Training didn’t go well over Christmas. We’ll see how La Diagonela goes, but I usually respond well to a high training volume. Then, I hope to be in really good form for Marcialonga”, he said to Ski Classics after the race, according to Langd.se.

Read also: Kardin and Fleten take top honors at La Venosta ITT Kapron-Melago