Amund Korsæth showed an impressive performance throughout the summer, becoming the Rollerski World Cup overall winner in Rieti, Italy. In this interview, the Norwegian skier talked about his strong summer season and goals for the coming winter.

After some summer seasons chasing the title, Amund Korsæth finally conquered the Rollerskiing World Cup overall title. The 22-year-old athlete had a strong performance throughout the summer, but in Rieti, Italy, he had his best moment: winning a 14km uphill race that secured him the title he was chasing.

But the Norwegian skier is focused on more than just rollerskiing. He tries to perform well all over the year. As he says, “winter is just one-third of the year, and I like to compete, so I try to perform well in summer.” And his results show that. Despite being young, Korsæth already has some good results, like the Rollerskiing World Cup overall, some top 20 results at the Norwegian National Championships, and an impressive 25th position at Birkebeinerrennet in 2022.

ProXCskiing talked to Amund to know how his summer season has been and what his goals are for the upcoming winter.

Amund, what have been the best and not-so-good moments of the rollerskiing season?

“My best moment of the rollerskiing season was the 14km uphill race in Terminilo, Italia. In this race, I felt strong all the way. And when I crossed the finish line, I also realized that I had won the World Cup overall. That was a very good feeling after such a long period of competition. I take this win and moment as a motivation for the winter season.”

“My worst moment of this rollerskiing season was the weekend in Madona when I felt my body was not in good shape. I felt bad during the races and afterward. I also skipped the team sprint due to how bad I felt.” 

As one of the World’s best rollerskiers, what could be done to make this sport more popular?

“I know other countries have selections to the national championship in rollerskis that qualify for the first World Cup races in Ruka. Like in Scandinavian Cup, the winners have a free pass to World Cup before Christmas.” 

“I think rollerski would be even more popular for people from my home country, Norway, because a World Cup pass is big and a huge goal for many cross-country skiers.” 

“The races must also be planned well so that the biggest weekends don’t collide. This was a case this summer, with Toppidrettsveka (Norway), Alliansloppet (Sweden), and Madona World Cup (Latvia) the same weekend.”

Winter vs. Summer: which season do you prefer and why?

“I absolutely prefer the winter season. It is in cross-country skiing I want to perform best. But the winter season is only 1/3 of the year, and I like to compete, so I use the summer races as motivation and good training for the winter season.” 

What are your goals for the upcoming winter?

“My goal for the upcoming winter is to race at the World Cup in Norway and a medal in the U23 World Championship in Whistler, Canada.” 

How and where have you been training during the summer?

“It has been a good summer for training, and I have trained at many places. I have got a lot of hours with different activities such as running and rollerskis. Some with kayaking and climbing too. Summer training here by the coast in Sarpsborg and Oslo is good with my girl and friends. I have also prioritized competing in the Rollerski World Cup. This year, I wanted to win this event, and finally, I made it in Rieti, Italy. It was motivating to win four races this year and to see that I have achieved some progression.”

Finally, as a Norwegian, you probably have been skiing since you were young. Can you describe to us your best memories related to it? 

“Especially in the spring at Sjusjøen, when the weather is good, you can go up and out in the morning and ski everywhere at snow crust. You can ski, make slopes where you like, and have sun in your face, thinking of a good season behind.”

After a strong summer season, Amund Korsæth hopes to keep in good shape and fight for an entry to the World Cup races in Norway and a medal at the U23 World Championships. Hopefully, the victory at the Rollerski World Cup was the trigger that will make him improve his performance even more.