At the end of September, the eD system RSJ Ski Team held its traditional training camp in Jablonec nad Nisou, Czech Republic. What was on the agenda, how does the Pro Team Director evaluate the camp, and what are the visions for the future?

Due to illnesses, injuries, and work commitments, only eleven athletes out of twenty ultimately participated, which, according to team management, did not compromise the quality of the camp. Marek Pazderský, eD system RSJ Ski Team Pro Team Director, answered several questions about the late-summer camp.

What was the program of the team camp?

“On Thursday, we used the sports complex in Břízky, where we completed tough uphill intervals on roller skis. Friday brought a three-hour ride in the foothills of the Jizera Mountains, and in the afternoon, we focused on technique and proper execution of ski imitations. Saturday was dedicated to the Hamrskiroll roller ski race over 48 km in Hamr na Jezeře, organized by our team, where we took the top 5 places in the men’s category and the top 3 places in the women’s category. In the afternoon, we followed an easy jog around the Jablonec reservoir, and in the evening, we had a joint dinner with an open discussion about future plans. Sunday morning was devoted to four hours on roller skis, covering a beautiful 70 km loop.”

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How satisfied are you with the camp?

“I’m very glad that the athletes came and that we were able to spend a few days together, since such opportunities are rare due to work, studies, or distances.

We had great weather and managed several quality training sessions, even though the program was mainly adjusted to the Hamrskiroll race. The race gave everyone a chance to show where they stand, what needs improvement, and how to fuel better, among other things. That’s one of the main reasons we organize these races—during training, one never pushes as hard as in a race, and there is also the opportunity to test tactics, nutrition, and form, even if the result itself isn’t our main concern.

The whole weekend, however, had two blemishes: two athletes were added to the injury list after suffering bad falls on roller skis. Fortunately, it’s only a matter of days or weeks of rest.”

You say race results aren’t so important. Is that really true?

“Of course, they matter a little, but I don’t make too much of them. My priority is that the athletes get quality training that the race provides. It’s just a pity that no stronger competitors showed up—for example, Standa Řezáč stayed at home, even though he trained on the racecourse on Thursday, and several other good athletes didn’t have far to travel.

I also want athletes to test various aspects for the winter races—such as nutrition, dosage, and attachment methods, etc. Naturally, I was pleased that we dominated all podiums, but I definitely don’t overestimate those results.”

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The team has gone through partial roster changes. How will this affect performance?

“Our team has undergone significant changes, and we believe only for the better. Along with experienced leaders like Thomas Bing, Vašek Sedláček, and Kája Grohová, several young, talented athletes have joined us. We want to give them a chance to grow in the long term.

Our ambition is not to win Ski Classics in the coming seasons but to secure a solid place and gradually develop new talents, integrating them into the series so they become competitive. Nobody has a knife to their throat to deliver immediate results. We want them to work hard, and they have two to three years to prove, through their attitude and commitment, that we chose them for a reason. Eventually, we want to expand this academy to up to twenty athletes.”

The academy concept may mean more work and costs without guaranteed success. Are you worried?

“Whoever is afraid should stay out of the woods. Buying a ready-made athlete and reaping the benefits is nice, but I have always chosen the lengthier and tougher path in life, because then the rewards taste much sweeter—if it works out. Patience is needed.

The team currently has four strong partners (eD system / RSJ Investments / Secound Foundation / Craft), who share the same vision and give us the chance to work with youth in the long term. Without this, we couldn’t bring new athletes into Ski Classics.

It’s no longer true that one only enters long-distance races after failing in the World Cup at 25. In our country, many still don’t understand this, but Scandinavia started five years ago and is now reaping the rewards. Skiers there specializing in long-distance begin at 16–18 and adapt quickly to the heavy training, strong double-poling, and by the age of 20–22 celebrate their first successes.

Of course, the extreme is Alvar (Alvar Myhlback), who won Vasaloppet (90 km) at just 18 years old. We don’t aim to pay athletes salaries directly—they can earn those with good results. Our goal is to provide them with quality, regular camps, good coaches, recovery, and service staff.”

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What are your nearest plans?

“Next weekend we face a big move to Frymburk on Lipno, where the Energamo Lipnolopet roller ski race awaits—a race created by one of our members, Luboš Krejza, who is also the main organizer along with me.

We successfully secured the race’s inclusion in Ski Classics through the Challengers series, and this year, we’re aiming to elevate it to the next level, the Super Challengers. So, keep your fingers crossed that we bring such a prestigious race to the Czech Republic—the only one of its kind outside Scandinavia so far! We are also helping to ensure TV broadcasting worldwide, including Czech Television. For the team, this is one of the year’s highlights.

After that, we head into a demanding ten-day camp in Mallorca, where everyone will train hard and thank God for every minute they can lie on the beach. Then comes a 14-day transition period to winter conditions, followed by a series of snow camps, with service staff also joining to start preparing new skis and testing new waxing products.”

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