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Esteve to consolidate performance in the World Cup and Vila in the European Cup

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Esteve to consolidate performance in the World Cup and Vila in the European Cup

Andorra, 11 November 2019. The head office of Andbank, the main sponsor of Andorra’s cross-country ski team, today hosted a presentation of the season that lies ahead for athletes Irineu Esteve and Carola Vila. The presentation was attended by coaches Joan Erola and Laura Orgué, as well as cross-country skiers Carola Vila and Irineu Esteve. […]

Andorra, 11 November 2019. The head office of Andbank, the main sponsor of Andorra’s cross-country ski team, today hosted a presentation of the season that lies ahead for athletes Irineu Esteve and Carola Vila.

The presentation was attended by coaches Joan Erola and Laura Orgué, as well as cross-country skiers Carola Vila and Irineu Esteve. First up, Erola explained that the preseason preparations had been similar to those of the previous year, with summer training sessions both at home, in Castellar de n’Hug, and abroad, in Norway. Since September, they have attended four training sessions in the snow, and are about to travel to Livigno to continue their preparations.

Like last year, the first FIS races will get under way in Gaala, Norway, prior to the World Cup in Lillehammer. Irineu’s goal is “to consolidate the level he achieved at last year’s World Cup”. “If he maintains that level,” the coach added, “it will be a good season, although we aim to improve on it.”

The Lillehammer test will consist of 15 kilometres classic plus 15 kilometres pursuit. Next up will be the Davos World Cup, followed by preparations for the Tour de Ski. After that, “we’ll analyse the first two months of the season and decide whether to compete in the World Cup, although the intention is to carry on.”

“There are no World Championships or Games this year,” said Erola, “so our objectives, in addition to the World Cup, are two Ski Tours. This involves six days of races in a row, which suits Irineu.”

Carola Vila, on the other hand, will compete in the European Cup circuit. Depending on how it goes, according to the coaches, it is possible that she may compete in the World Cup. Laura Orgué, Carola Vila’s coach, said, “It’s the first of three years in the under-23 category, but I think Carola is capable of competing and getting a good position.” The European Cup consists of six tests. Her intention is to participate, with the option of taking part in a World Cup “if we think it’s appropriate”.

Cross-country skier Irineu Esteve said, “The goal is to consolidate last year’s performance and try to go a bit further. I’d also like to feel more comfortable in classic, like I did last year, because I don’t feel entirely comfortable at the moment”.

Cross-country skier Carola Vila said, “I change categories this year, and there’s some uncertainty about how well I’ll do, but we’ve trained well. The main objective is the U23 World Championships in Germany in early March, and then the European Cup circuit. Then we’ll start talking about whether I’ll make it to the World Cup. What we are clear about is that, if I do end up going to the World Cup, the goal will be to perform well, not simply to classify.”