Hoi zäme,

(that's Swiss German for "Hey there everyone")

We are back in the normal racing season after the Christmas break. The Tour de Ski is about to kick off after a few good and quiet Christmas days at home in the Engadin. It was great to be there and just do some relaxed training in good conditions. And now, the Tour de Ski is an absolute season highlight ahead of the Olympic Games and I'm really looking forward to it.

The ten days are tough and afterwards we are all really worn out. But I think the Tour is also a good competition series as a preparation for the Games. What will be really important in the next days is to be constant and not on top today and a flop tomorrow. A special addition this year is the long distance stage from Cortina to Toblach where I think it will make a big difference which "train" you get on. The most respect I have for the 20 km in classical technique in Val di Fiemme. That's because I had a bad experience in that race last year.

Now I wish you all a lot of fun following the Tour de Ski until the Final Climb. I will be sure to give my absolute best!

Happy New Year!

Yours Curdin