As the summer season slowly draws to a close, Germany’s Pro Team xc-ski.de A|N Skimarathon Team is gearing up for an exciting winter ahead. ProXCskiing.com had the chance to sit down with the Pro Team Directors and discuss their achievements, challenges, and ambitious plans for the upcoming season.

Last season was memorable for the xc-ski.de A|N Skimarathon Team, filled with moments of triumph and resilience. According to Sabine and Thomas Freimuth, “Climbing the podium in the first (individual) Ski Classics race, the Individual Prologue in Bad Gastein, with Thomas Bing leading the charge, was a very special moment and a brilliant start to the season. We had a winter poor of snow in Germany, and we were very happy to have these high-quality Ski Classics races in the best cross-country skiing places.” 

The Pro Team’s most remarkable accomplishment was securing a spot among the top 25 Pro Teams globally, a testament to their hard work and dedication. Sabine and Thomas proudly stated, “We were very proud to have four strong, very motivated girls in our team, and to make it under the 25 best teams in the world was a big success!”

The German Pro Team is enthusiastic about the new season, with a refreshed lineup and additions. Sabine and Thomas Freimuth shared, “It’s great to have the opportunity to give the German-speaking cross-country skiing community a face in the ski marathon racing worldwide. We are working to develop a strong team, and believe me, that’s a tough challenge in Germany. That’s why we are grateful to have a new sponsor and team support, thanks to EMTEC!” 

The team’s new additions include Elisabeth Schicho, a well-experienced World Cup skier, and Marlies Nipius, the first Dutch woman to join Ski Classics. Sabine and Thomas added, “With Marlies Nipius, we have the first Dutch girl in Ski Classics! That’s fantastic and exciting for all of us. Marlies lives in Switzerland and is doing lots of training sessions with our strong Swiss girl, Karin Weltert.”

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Summer training for xc-ski.de A|N Ski Marathon Team

Regarding their summer training and competition preparations, Sabine and Thomas Freimuth mentioned, “Except our students, who are very busy in University studies, everyone in our team has a normal, often demanding job to do next to our beloved sport. So, we put all effort into our training after the job is done.” 

The team emphasizes training camps during Spring and Autumn, focusing on maximizing the training load during these periods. They also strategize for the winter season, allocating athletes to specific races and coordinating support for their athletes. The German Pro Team’s directors highlighted the importance of these training camps, saying, “In our team, we are more than 60 skiers. The Ski Classics athletes bring extra motivation to the whole team.”

Challenges of managing a German long-distance ski team

When asked about the challenges of managing a German ski team, Sabine and Thomas remarked, “In my opinion, the most challenging fact is that cross-country skiing in Germany does not have such a great standing as other sports. I think the main reason for this is that there are not so many regions in Germany where cross-country skiing can be practiced.” 

To overcome this challenge, the team actively engages with the public through social media and platforms like xc-ski.de to inspire the German-speaking regions for their passion for cross-country skiing. The German Pro Team’s directors added, “Our main ‘weapon’ in the public is that our team members are present in the team clothes at many different places in different countries and regions. And of course, both in the winter on the cross-country tracks, but also in summer in running shoes, roller skis, and/or on the bike.”

Looking ahead to the winter season, Sabine and Thomas Freimuth expressed their enthusiasm for Vasaloppet, saying, “For us, Vasaloppet is the race! This year will be celebrated its 100th edition, and we will be there with a big group.” 

The team aims to compete in every Ski Classics race, with a particular fondness for races in Central Europe. They also hinted at the possibility of a significant turnout for Janteloppet from the xc-ski.de A|N Skimarathon Team.

Embracing Long-Distance Skiing

Sabine and Thomas passionately explained the appeal of long-distance skiing, “The world of long-distance skiing unites skiers from all classes, from the 80-year-old veteran to the world elite skiers. They are doing the same track, enjoying the same weather and snow conditions, and having one experience – that’s fantastic!” 

They continued, “There is a lot of energy, a lot of motivation, and everyone tries to give their best. To experience that with your team is something you shouldn’t miss.”

As the winter season approaches, the xc-ski.de A|N Skimarathon Team stands ready to conquer new challenges, inspire their homeland, and bask in the exhilaration of long-distance skiing. Their passion and dedication exemplify the true spirit of the sport, and they are eager to make their mark on the Ski Classics scene once again.

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