Imanol Rojo: "My main goal is Tour de Ski"

Imanol Rojo: “My main goal is Tour de Ski”

by ANDRÉ SANTOS • 29.12.2023

Member Article

Photo: Reichert/NordicFocus

Get an inside look at Imanol Rojo’s performance at La Venosta ITT, where he secured the 26th position amidst rigorous training for Tour de Ski. Learn about his strategies, challenges, and the vital support from Team Coop Madshus that propelled him to this notable result.

Spanish Pro Team athlete Imanol Rojo, Team Coop Madshus, expressed satisfaction with his performance at the La Venosta weekend, where he finished in 26th place at the Individual Time Trial. “I’m very happy,” Rojo said to ProXCskiing.com, acknowledging that competing amidst his preparation for the Tour de Ski was challenging and adding about La Venosta Criterium:

“I would have liked to be a bit further ahead, but starting from behind without points makes it very difficult in the long race (La Venosta Criterium) where I finished 34th.”

His result at La Venosta, particularly commendable given the challenges of starting from a disadvantaged position without points, highlighted not only his physical prowess but also his strategic acumen in long-distance races. This achievement showed that the Spanish skier is feeling confident with his Pro Team: Team Coop Madshus.

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*Imanol Rojo, Team Coop Madshus, at La Venosta ITT Season XV. Photo: Reichert/NordicFocus*

Discussing his collaboration with Team Coop Madshus, Rojo emphasized their crucial role in his career. “They help me with everything they can—skis, clothing, logistics… Without their help, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” he noted.

The team’s support extends beyond material assistance, offering him training advice, technical tips, and motivation. “They believe I can still achieve very good results,” Rojo added.

As for his goals for the season, Rojo is clear: “My main objective is the Tour de Ski (starting tomorrow) and then the World Cup in Oslo. I want to be at my best for these two key moments of the season.”

Focused Dedication on the Tour de Ski

Preparing for the Tour de Ski during the Christmas season, Rojo explained his regimen. “I’ve been preparing for the Tour de Ski all year. I’ve been in Davos since November and stayed there until the 26^th. The work is done; now it’s all about resting to arrive at the Tour with maximum guarantees and energy.”

When asked about his future in Ski Classics races and whether he is considering shifting his focus solely to this format, Rojo remained open to possibilities. “I don’t know what I’ll do in the future, but I would like to run the most traditional races in the world, such as Marcialonga, Vasaloppet, or Birkebeiner,” he concluded.

Tour de Ski Season 2023/2024

Now in its 18^th edition, Tour de Ski consists of seven competitions over nine days in three different locations and two countries, and it’s the fifth stage of the 2023/2024 cross-country skiing World Cup.

The event starts on Saturday, December 30, 2023, with a sprint in freestyle technique in Toblach, Italy, and ends on January 7, 2024, with a 10km Final Climb in freestyle technique in Val di Fiemme, Italy. See below the complete program for Tour de Ski 2023/2024.

FACTS Tour de Ski Season 2023/2024

When: Saturday, December 30, 2023, to Sunday, January 7, 2024
Who: Elite national skiers – women and men
Where: Toblach/ITA, Davos/SUI, and Val di Fiemme/ITA
What: FIS Tour de Ski

PROGRAM

Saturday, December 30, 2023 – Toblach/ITA: Sprint Freestyle (More details can be found here)

12:00 CET: Sprint Quali F, Men
12:00 CET: Sprint Quali F, Women
14:30 CET: Sprint Final F, Men
14:30 CET: Sprint Final F, Women

Sunday, December 31, 2023 – Toblach/ITA: 10km Interval Start Classics (More details can be found here)

12:15 CET: 10km Interval Start C, Women
15:00 CET: 10km Interval Start C, Men

Monday, January 1, 2024 – Toblach/ITA: 25km Pursuit Freestyle (More details can be found here)

10:00 CET: 25km Pursuit F, Men
12:30 CET: 25km Pursuit F, Women

Wednesday, January 3, 2024 – Davos/SUI: Sprint Freestyle (More details can be found here)

14:30 CET: Sprint Quali F, Men
14:30 CET: Sprint Quali F, Women
17:00 CET: Sprint Final F, Men
17:00 CET: Sprint Final F, Women

Thursday, January 4, 2024 – Davos/SUI: Pursuit Classic (More details can be found here)

10:45 CET: Pursuit C, Women
13:00 CET: Pursuit C, Men

Saturday, January 6, 2024 – Val Di Fiemme/ITA: 15km Mass Start Classic (More details can be found here)

11:30 CET: 15km Mass Start C, Women
15:25 CET: 15km Mass Start C, Men

Sunday, January 7, 2024 – Val Di Fiemme/ITA: 10km Mass Start Freestyle – Final Climb (More details can be found here)

14:30 CET: 10km Mass Start F, Men
15:45 CET: 10km Mass Start F, Women