The best Czech Cross-Country skier returned to World Cup trails last Saturday in Drammen where he finished 10th in favorite 15 Classic.
After World Cup in Drammen the Czech team arrived in Oslo, where the 48th FIS Nordic World Ski Championships will kick off on Wednesday. “I want to deliver the best in the season skiing in Oslo. I want to fight for a medal and take one home,” reveals Lukas Bauer plans for the World Championships.
Bauer has had a series of medal success in every big international event. He is silver medalist from Liberec 2009, double bronze medalist from Vancouver 2010 and aims to another medal result in Oslo 2011. “In every race it’s very difficult to be in top three. At the World Champs the competition is even tougher. But I had a good day everything is possible,” said Bauer.
The Czech ace skipped World Cups in Otepää and Rybinsk. After Tour de Ski he got cold and sat out favorite competition in Otepää. Instead he joined the rest of the Czech team at the high altitude training. After the Bauer worked on classical technique where he felt imperfections. The Czech team carried out last preparation phase in Sweden. “I did everything what I could. I used ever opportunity to train to maximum,” quotes Bauer.
Bauer is classic technique specialist but is a decent free technique skier as well. He is still unsure, which races he is going to take part in. “I will most likely race in 15 km Classic and in the relay. If I had to choose I would start with the 30 km Pursuit, continue with 15 km Classic and relay. If I felt well I would try 50 km Free,” reveals Bauer plans for the World Championships. Talking about relay it is difficult for Czech fans not to expect a medal after sensational bronze at the Olympics in Vancouver. Bauer, however, restrains optimistic expectations. “I want to point that we ourselves were extremely surprised to win the bronze. It was an outstanding achievement. I’m convinced we can fight for top six. If everything comes together on the day of the relay in the same way as in Vancouver we can again seize a medal,” comments Bauer.
