AWCA Torsby and Trondheim
Day 8 (Saturday):
Saturday, more on snow volume with a focus on technique! This morning’s workout was split half skate and half classic. Since we aren’t used to skiing on snow, we split our workout into both techniques to ensure we work on all types of muscle groups. The afternoon was split with some of us taking time to rest and some of us taking part in a Marwe rollerski photoshoot.
Day 9 (Sunday):
Today's training was short and sweet, a skate session with drills and speeds to mark our final workout in the tunnel. We spent the afternoon cleaning and packing up our things to get ready for an early departure the following morning. For dinner we took the opportunity to go out to a local restaurant in downton Torsby.
Day 10 (Monday):
Travel day! The day started off with a minor setback… The Coxa drink belts we were sent hadn’t arrived yet (they were much needed for the 56k). We waited a couple hours in Torsby then hit the road. We made a quick pitstop in lillehammer to visit the Swix concept store where they had all the latest and greatest gear as well as some tributes to legendary racers in the ski community. As we travelled further north we were treated by New Zealand styled landscapes; something you'd see straight out of Lord of the Rings.
Day 11 (Tuesday):
Today marked our first rollerski in Trondheim, starting with an easy classic session. During our session, we had the chance to explore the legendary Granåsen venue that will host the upcoming rollerski races and this winter's World Ski Championships. In the afternoon, we switched to skate skiing, capturing some great Coxa drink belt videos. The combination of training and filming made for a productive and exhilarating day on the trails.
Day 12 (Wednesday):
Race Day! Today was the first day of the Toppidrettsveka rollerski festival and it was 56km classic mass start. Unfortunately Derek, Xav and Tom were feeling under the weather so it was just Max on the start line. It was an unbelievable experience in both an atmospheric and humbling manner. It felt like being in the tour de france. There were helicopters following the peloton from the side, flying mere feet above the ground. People were camped out on the side of the road dressed up in Norwegian attire, screaming their lungs out. Max came to the conclusion that his double pole technique really needs some work. That will be his focus going into the fall. The other boys watched on TV and celebrated a very special day… Xav’s Birthday!
Day 13 (Thursday):
Thursday started with a well needed sleep in as Max and coach Tormod didn’t get back from the race until after midnight due to the late start. Today's morning session was a skate ski around and through the countryside surrounding Trondheim. In the afternoon Xav and Derek went to check out a frisbee golf store and later, met up with Julia and everyone else for a tour of downtown and a pizza dinner. Yummy!
