Max Novak has put a solid season in Ski Classics behind him. Preparations for the coming season have begun, and the goals are sky-high.

Last summer Novak was almost unbeatable, winning nearly all rollerski races he took part in. On snow, apart from his win at Pustertaler Ski Marathon, he was top 10 in 9 other events, with a 2nd place at Birkebeinerrennet, a 3rd at Tartu Maraton, and finishing Season XII in the 3rd position overall at the Champion competition.

“I’m heading to the team that will give me the best sporting setup. A strong service team plus that I required that there should be at least four men in the team to be able to match Team Ragde Charge were important criteria,” says Novak, who, after the winter season ended, was in Italy for cycling:

“There were many nice trips. My focus was mostly on a large dose of sun and enjoying the Italian food. The travel companion was incredibly good with my brother and some friends.”

“Next season, I will continue with the same coach as before. We have had very good development, and even though we are not “face-to-face” so often, I have learned how to change the plan to suit me 100 percent.”

“In the same way, Mattias has taught me a lot about how I respond to training, and we can therefore change a little to make things better all the time.”

“I was with him in Gothenburg and met him in mid-May. We met maybe three or four times during the year, but we have close contact in other areas.”

During last year’s season, Max Novak had the goal of winning the Jizerská50 and Vasaloppet. These are the races where he sets the highest goal and with the most prestige. The goal is the same for the coming season.

“With the results from last year in the back of my mind, I was in the best shape during the start of the season and felt very stable throughout the season. There were few “down races,” but when it did not work optimally, other conditions decided.”

“I can see from the last season that I took some incorrect tactical approach in the final phase of some competitions, so I should have done even better in several races where I ended up off the podium,” concludes Max Novak.