Wishes of the head coach of the Czech Cross-Country team Miroslav Petrasek are clear; successful FIS Cross-Country World Cup opener in Gällivare and third edition of Ruka Triple in Kuusamo.
"The World Ski Championships is the main goal for us. We would like to carry on good results from previous seasons, improve our performance in the relay and get qualified for the Olympic Winter Games in Sochi," Petrasek revealed at the Czech Cross-Country team press conference in Prague.
For the World Championships, a top 5 result will be a success for the Czech head coach but looking at the biggest Czech Cross-Country star Lukas Bauer he added, "Yes, we would like a medal."
Lukas Bauer has been coping with injuries since the World Cup in Nove Mesto last winter. He suffered a fatigue heel fracture, which cost him 7 weeks on crutches and in the summer he hurt his hamstring. Bauer has been fully training but stays realistic. " I still have to be careful. But on skis it's all right. I will let the glory to the others but I hope I will join them later on," the 35 year-old ace claimed.
A big question mark has been hanging above the relay team for the Championships that is expected to repeat the bronze success from Vancouver. "Lukas Bauer, Martin Jaks and Jiri Magal are clear. Razym, Horyna and Kozisek will fight for the last spot," the head coach revealed. The anchor man from Vancouver Martin Koukal has been skiing long distance competitions and left the Czech national team. "He will tell me when he feels he's ready for the relay. If he beats the other boys, he is in," the head coach confirmed.
