The two Czech athletes Petr Novak and Adela Boudikova decided at short notice to make the seasons first long-distance race in Vasaloppet China. The lack of snow in Europe and predictions of canceled races weree the basis for the decision.
They got some busy moments with getting visa from the Chinese embassy in Prague, but finally Wednesday morning they got it. After that they booked their international flight with departure same day, in the evening. The organizer of Vasaloppet China then took care of their 2 hours domestic connection to Changchun and they arrived well in the event hotel in the late evening.
Novak is the reigning champion in the FIS Marathon Cup from last season. With all the 9 races done in FIS Marathon Cup 2014/15, held in Europe and North America, Novak became the overall winner among the men. He told to media “A long dream finally came true”. This is the second time for Novak for competing in China, in 2009 he participated the Winter Universiades in Harbin. For sure he is now a big favorite to win the male completion over 50 km in Vasaloppet China on January 4th.
Boudikova started this season in a good way and became no. 10 among the women in Visma Ski Classic first stage, La Sgambeda on December 6th, representing her team Atlas Craft Team. She will for sure be among the favorites to win among women 50 km here in China.
