Kateřina Janatová, the top Czech cross-country skier, has spent several years training not only in the Czech Republic but especially in Norway during the off-season. What are the differences between Czech and Norwegian training, roller ski terrain, or road safety? What kind of wheels does she prefer, and what is her favorite training on asphalt?

ProXCskiing.com’s sister site, Bezky.net, interviewed Czech skier Kateřina Janatová, who finished in a solid 6th place in the overall standings of the 2024/2025 World Cup, about her relationship with roller skis and her summer training.

Her preparation for the upcoming season hasn’t started yet. A few days ago, she left for a well-deserved break in Spain, where her boyfriend, the talented British skier James Clugnet, was also supposed to join her. However, the vacation timing was far from ideal, as a blackout hit, leaving Spain without electricity. She suddenly found herself in a foreign country without money, food, accommodation, and soon, a dead phone. James, who was bringing cash, got delayed. In the end, everything worked out—some kind passersby gave Kateřina a few euros and a bit of power from a power bank.

Despite the ordeal, she could function the next day and even answer a few questions for our readers. Kateřina and James eventually reunited, and hopefully, they’re now thoroughly enjoying the sun, warmth, and electricity.

Kateřina, how often do you use roller skis as a training tool?

“I train on roller skis a lot—basically for half the year. At the start of the training season in spring, switching to roller skis after snow skiing is a tough transition. Roller skis are shorter, and you have to get used to them.”

Do you enjoy training on them?

“I have to admit, I’m a bit afraid of them. I’ve had a few crashes over the many years I’ve been training. As I get older, I’m more and more cautious. I had a fall last autumn, and since then, I’ve had a bit of mental block, but I’m trying to push that out of my mind. I avoid risky situations. I don’t take unnecessary chances.”

Have you found a way to be less afraid of downhills?

“I started using slower wheels. Here, we usually use #2 wheels (on Swenor skis). When it’s hot in summer, they’re softer and don’t rattle as much on rough asphalt. I might ski fewer kilometers, but it’s more demanding. The Norwegians also use slower wheels.”

What else did you learn from training on roller skis in Norway?

“In Norway, I learned to handle steeper downhills. Thanks to the training there, I now have better control over the roller skis, and I also learned better agility and braking. You can roller ski practically everywhere there. They also have more roller ski tracks.”

The story continues below.

Looking at it generally, how do the Czech and Norwegian training approaches differ?

“Each system has its merits, and I wouldn’t say either is wrong. They’re just a bit different. We’re better in some aspects and the Norwegians in others. Moreover, the Czech team already trains quite similarly to the Scandinavians, so the systems aren’t that different anymore,” she says to Bezky.net and adds:

“The biggest difference is with kids. In the Czech Republic, we’re more performance-oriented. In Norway, they play for longer, emphasizing enjoyment and helping kids develop the best possible agility and technique on skis. We’re also moving in that direction, but Norway is ahead. Technique is really important and is addressed from a very young age. Even if it doesn’t seem so initially, great technique helps prevent injuries and brings other advantages.”

Do you notice differences in how Czech and Norwegian drivers treat roller skiers?

“Norwegian drivers are more cautious and generally drive slower. They respect us more. In the Czech Republic, people aren’t as familiar with roller skis and often don’t want us on the roads. On the other hand, I’ve also come across kind drivers here, but in Norway, it’s generally more relaxed.”

And how would you compare the asphalt quality between the two countries?

“We actually have better asphalt quality than Norway. Some may not agree, but it’s true. The big advantage they have, though, is the number of bike paths. I try to avoid roads and stick to bike paths, which are practically everywhere.”

What’s your favorite roller ski workout?

“I enjoy long uphills using classic technique, ideally in the Alps—like 6 x 10 minutes at the anaerobic threshold (zone i3). Of course, safety is the priority. A helmet has saved me several times, so that’s definitely essential.”

Are you interested in training for long-distance or traditional cross-country skiing? Click HERE and read more about it.

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