The Czech skiers, both very successful: Kateřina Janatová, the Czech number one in the World Cup, and Sandra Schützová, the best Czech long-distance skier. Both took part in the Roller Ski World Cup in Sweden and made their presence well known. Today, we will focus on Kateřina’s races, training, and further plans.

The Czech competitors split their World Cup roller ski starts in Trollhättan. On Friday, Kateřina Janatová started in the freestyle sprint. On Saturday, Sandra Schützová raced the Alliansloppet – a 48km classic technique race. And finally, on Sunday, both competed in the 15km classic individual start.

The Jilemnice athletes are also connected to Norway. Kateřina does part of her training with the Norwegian Team Aker Dæhlie, while Sandra represents the Norwegian Pro Team, Team Kaffebryggeriet Driv, in the Ski Classics Pro Tour.

Friday’s World Cup sprint

Already from qualification, Kateřina Janatová ranked among the top ten in the results list. In the semifinals, she fought for a place in the final six, but in the end, the advancing position narrowly slipped away at a close finish.

“It’s a pity I didn’t find a better position in the pack and finally came in a close third. It was almost a photo finish, so I’m really sorry about it,” said the 7th-place finisher of the sprint to Bezky.net.

Read More: Emma Ribom sprint winner at the Trollhättan Roller Ski World Cup

Considered starting due to a cold

The Czech national team member had been struggling with a slight illness last week and was considering whether to start in Sweden.

“I didn’t feel in the best shape, but in the end, I still decided that participation in these races would be good training for me. With each race, I felt better, and I’m glad I was here,” added Janatová.

Sunday’s individual start

And how did Sunday’s 15km classic race go for Kateřina?

“I started the race a bit slower because my double poling isn’t as strong compared to the other girls racing here. That’s a bit of a limitation for me on roller skis.”

After a few kilometers, however, she joined the eventual winner, Emma Ribom, who pulled the Czech skier forward.

“I raced alone for about 7.5 kilometers until I caught up with Emma. As soon as I skied behind her, the whole race felt easier. In classic interval races, this is exactly what I need – I ski much better in someone’s slipstream,” Kateřina praised the cooperation.

Also Read: Emma Ribom wins 15km interval start at the Trollhättan Roller Ski World Cup

In the end, her time was enough for 4th place overall. The native of Jilemnice missed the podium by less than six seconds.

“Fourth place is great. It’s a pity I didn’t make the top 3, but it’s still summer and after a slight illness,” continued Janatová, who found many positives in the races in Sweden.

“They were good races, my heart rate went well, and everything showed that my body is ready to keep training. Hopefully that will be the case, I’ll do quality work and prepare well for the Czech Championships.”

Further plans

And what awaits Kateřina in the coming weeks?

“I’ll go to Oberhof with the national team, then races as part of the Czech Championships and Lipnoloppet, because I skipped the long race this weekend, and I’d like to do one. It’s one of the training sessions I need. Then I’ll head north and most likely do a training camp in the ski tunnel in Torsby,” clarified the Czech number one.

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