As if out of nowhere, Toni Livers won a 15-km World Cup freestyle race in 2007. Since then he has regularly scored World Cup points, taken part several times in the World Championships and Olympic Games, and won many fun ski races.

Unlike other World Cup runners, you also take part in fun ski runs. What do you find appealing about these races? In which areas are you superior, where are you particularly challenged or even inferior?

To counterbalance the World Cup races, I find it wonderful to take part in major well-known fun ski runs. Not only is this somewhat unique but it distinguishes the cross-country skiing sport by the fact that x-thousands of recreational skiers can compete directly with some of the best cross-country skiers.

My World Cup experience has made me accustomed to steep ascents and tempo changes. This serves me well both during the hard stages of the competition and at the end. I often find the marathon distance and duration of the race particularly challenging in terms of eating and drinking and fatigue.

At the longest Worldloppet races such as the Vasalauf or Transjurassienne, the long-distance specialists are considerably better prepared.

What tips do you have for all those wanting to successfully take part in a cross-country race this year?

I see the competition as an adventure. The journey begins with training. Alongside unspecific and varied basic training, attention needs to be given to the special features of the target competition. For classic competitions, double stick training is extremely crucial. For unusually long cross-country ski runs, you need to focus on eating and drinking properly as well as managing your energy. During the competition itself, it is important to do the basic things right, such as selecting the ideal pace, the right food and drink, and enjoying the event (nature, spectators).

You have been participating in the World Cup for many years. How has the sport developed? How have the requirements relating to training and equipment changed?

The ski industry has made major progress in recent years. The boot, ski binding and the ski have become a stable unit, which facilitates a better transmission of strength, and has enabled further technological developments.

Alongside endurance, specific strength has become more crucial. The athlete is stronger and more stable in the upper body area than a few years ago.

In your eyes, what are the most important reasons for your success? What could amateur athletes try to copy if need be?

I love cross-country skiing. Thanks to my motivation to train and my appetite for new impulses, changes, and further developments, the sport remains exciting and challenging for me. There is always something new to try out, as well as new places and new competitions to experience.

Foto: ZVG