I wish you all a Happy New Year. I hope you had a nice celebration and that your are ready for the 4th Tour de Ski!

I had some quiet days over Christmas. I stayed in Rogla for a couple of days until I had to move to Toblach because of the snow conditions. On Christmas Eve, I was at home and had a nice dinner with my family. In Toblach, I was able to check out the course for the 5th and 6th Stages, and I must say it looks good. They also have a new stadium there, which is  impressive.

The Tour de Ski is, as every year, a highlight and a challenge for all athletes. Every day, it is important to deliver a good performance if you want to be on the top. Personally, I'm approaching it step by step and will do my best. I hope that I will do well! If not, I will probably leave the Tour de Ski and concentrate on the preparations for the Olympic Games.

If I would have to bet on the winner, honestly I would bet on Justyna Kowalczyk. She is in a good shape and performing well since the beginning of the season. But we will see in Val di Fiemme, on top of the Final Climb, who's the strongest this year.

I wish you a lot of fun watching the Tour on TV and cheering for us on-site.

Yours Petra