ProXCskiing.com reconnected with a Pro Team athlete whose journey has witnessed a remarkable transformation in the past year. In a previous interview, she had contemplated walking away from the sport, but now, she radiated a newfound vigor.

One year ago, Anikken Gjerde Alnæs, Team Ragde Charge, said in an interview with ProXCskiing.com that she had considered ending her long-distance skiing career. But after dedicating time to think about it, the Norwegian Pro Team athlete decided to take another chance in the Ski Classics circuit. 

Read More: First Ski Classics podium for Anikken Gjerde Alnæs

One year later, Anikken is feeling confident. She conquered her first Ski Classics podiums and won the Sprint bib competition. After the summer roller ski competitions, she seems even more motivated, with her 2nd and 4th positions at Alliansloppet and Klarälvsloppet, respectively.

Addressing her transformation, she shared, “I’ve found myself in a great state of mind leading up to last season, which indeed has continued into this season. The Ski Classics season is intense and hectic as we move on, bringing highs and lows. However, I think the main difference is that I have the mental energy to focus on the important things at the right time, and when I need to recharge, I make time for it in a hectic schedule. As well as, I have trusted myself in the process of development and the plan I have.”

On the topic of her recent podium finishes, ProXCskiing.com explored the changes that had propelled her toward success. She revealed, “I found a good balance of totality and continuity over time. I didn’t change much, but I respond better year by year.”

Shifting our attention to her summer training routine, she offered insights into her rigorous regimen. 

“I have trained as planned since May, focusing on controlled intensity and volume. Mixing it up with some harder efforts in August with roller ski races. As last year, I spent time at altitude in Andorra. This year, twice. Surrounded by mountains, I get the energy to train without anything else disturbing my focus.”

With a successful past season, we were eager to learn about her aspirations for the upcoming winter. She shared her ambitious goals, saying, “The sprints have been my main goal in the process of becoming a more complete long-distance skier. It was a relief winning the sprint bib last year, and I love the concept. However, this year, I’m aiming for the overall competition and to fight for several podiums. To be able to fight for the top 3 in the yellow bib competition, I need to be fighting up there every weekend.”

Our talk also touched on her teammate Jenny Larsson, another powerhouse in the Ski Classics Pro Tour circuit. Anikken warmly expressed, “To have Jenny on the team has been a benefit for us both, and she’s a great fit for the team. To have someone who has been in the circuit for several years and knows what it’s about has been a great asset. We share our knowledge and thoughts to make the best out of each other’s strengths and weaknesses. We strive to be able to work well together in races. Additionally, we enjoy each other’s company, which is important when spending several months together.”

As we concluded our talk, it was evident that Anikken Gjerde Alnaes had rekindled her passion for the sport and harnessed the determination to reach new heights. 

Are you interested in Ski Classics and long-distance skiing? Click HERE and read more. 

The Big Ski Test 2023

It’s that time of the year again! Our Big Ski Test 2023 is already online. 

First up was the skin skis test, then a cross-country ski poles test, and ultimately, a double poling skis test. In the links below, you can read more!

• Part 1: The Big Ski Test 2023 – Skin Skis
• Part 2: The Big Ski Test 2023 – Ski Poles
• Part 3: The Big Ski Test 2023 – Double Poling Skis