August 15, 2011 (Handgait, Mongolia) – As a follow-up to last year’s first Coaches’ Seminar that was held under the IOC Olympic Solidarity technical courses for coaches program, the Mongolian Ski Association organized a training camp for coaches and athletes from 27th July-5th August.

The camp was carried out in cooperation with the German Ski Federation and cross-country expert Georg Zipfel.

In Handgait, 30 km outside of Ulan Bator, the capital of Mongolia, about 42 coaches and athletes came together to learn to transfer the theoretical basics from last year’s seminar into practical training units and exercises. Different training formats including roller skiing, running, strength and speed training were on the schedule. In addition, the knowledge concerning training, timing and controlling, as well as rules were also explained by Georg Zipfel.

“We had a great atmosphere and perfect cooperation during the entire seminar,” said Georg Zipfel on his return home.” The Mongolian skiers definitively have great potential as they are physically very strong but they also need our support. Their biggest handicap is the equipment, starting from skis and roller skis to poles, shoes and course preparation facilities and equipment. The training conditions such as roller skiing on streets with heavy traffic are sometimes less than ideal there.”

“It was another great experience for me and I want to thank everybody who helped organize this seminar. The coaches and athletes were fantastic!” stated Zipfel.