There are times when sport takes a complete back seat – like right now. After Kranjska Gora was cancelled, it was clear to us athletes that the season was over. I went home and did what many of you have probably done too:

I took care of all sorts of jobs in and around the house that you never normally get round to. This week I started my base training – training blocks I have to complete over the next three weeks. Because of the current situation, that’s a month earlier than planned, which could actually have a positive effect on next season. As Tyrol is under quarantine, I’m training a lot at home: ergometer sessions, strength training four times a week with very little extra weight, lots of analysis and of course some limited outdoor activities like running or walking my brother’s dog. Anyone who thinks they need to go and train in ski areas on their own right now risks losing all their funding, along with their federation or club – and rightly so. Health is our most precious asset and comes before everything else. This isn’t about individuals or individual companies; it’s about all of us.

A quick word on the season review: last season was mixed and hard work. That’s why my team and I will change a few things for the coming season. On the glacier I’ll work only on ski technique, and only shortly before the season starts, in wintry conditions, will I work on the fine-tuning. At the end of last season you could see my performances improving, and I’d go as far as to say that if it had continued, I could have delivered a few more top results. Understandably, that didn’t happen. But it has to be said that almost all racers from the different nations are dealing with the same difficult circumstances.

So stay home and above all stay healthy, so that we can all go full attack again next season.

Yours,
Michi