September 13, 2015 (Germany) – A record number of 40 skiers took part in two parallel training camps of the Swedish national team in Toblach and Oberstdorf from August 25th – September 4th. The men’s team ran 19 training sessions in 10 days. Oberstdorf in Bavaria in southern Germany offers a seven-kilometer-long rollerskiing track and many trails for running.

Swedish Cross-Country team © Swedish Ski Association

“Several of our athletes have skied Tour de Ski stages in Oberstdorf. Two stages will be here also next winter. The group is energized about getting familiar with the winter resort in the summer,” Rikard Grip said.

The women’s team is training in Toblach in the region of Trento, another FIS Tour de Ski host venue. Training in Toblach in the summer will be a new experience for the team, having a a five-kilometer rollerskiing trail and three alpine peaks near the hotel.

Charlotte Kalla and teammates ©

The Swedish national team has split the ladies’ and men’s camps and brought in the development squads. “Skiers from the development team are thus able to beneif from knowledge and experience,” Rikard Grip explained and confirmed that joint camps are an important step in raising the level of national elite.

“Having Marcus Hellner, Calle Halfvarsson, Charlotte Kalla and Stina Nilsson behind the back is a guaranteed quality for those who are trying to challenge them. At the same time the first team has to be to be on their toes all the time,” Grip stated.

Rollerskiing workout © Maria Rydqvist

The camps in Toblach and Oberstdorf begun on Tuesday, only 1.5 weeks after the camp in Vålådalen ended. “We’re in an intensive and heavy training period,” ladies sprint coach Mattias Persson added.