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E-mail from Johnny, 20th January: Cross Country
ski training at altitude is one of the best sources of preparation for the racing
season.
I went to a secret location in the French Alps with pal and former Eurosport GP
commentator, Allard Kalf. As you can see from the pictures we would work very hard in the
Gym for two hours, including four rounds of weights, stretching etc, followed by a small
lunch.
Then the hard work would begin with another two hours of Cross Country skiing. The
first day we did about 10-15 km, finishing with a 20 km on the final day (Wed 20th).
It is only my third time doing this form of training (Allard's first!!) and it is one
of the toughest forms of training (in the technique that I use anyway!), giving you a
fantastic work over from which you reap many benefits when you return to sea level and
continue your training routine.
After this training session, I am feeling very positive that my fitness
level is getting to a point that the base is now done and I can finish off my
training during the tests coming up, and with continued training back home and being in
tip top shape just before leaving for the first race in Australia. (But keeping the
training going throughout the year to keep at this level all through the season.) Anyone
who has not tried this form of skiing should give it a go as I think you would find it
much fun, but also giving you a good fitness workout.
Now I will start to pack my bags for the Jerez test! It never seems to stop and it
hasn't even started yet!!!
Best Wishes
Johnny
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