Cross-Country athletes thrive at FDP Summer Camp in Val di Fiemme

From September 15th to 23rd, 2024, Val di Fiemme (ITA) hosted a dynamic and highly productive roller ski training camp, bringing together athletes and coaches from 11 nations across Europe. Participating countries included Bosnia and Herzegovina (BIH), Estonia (EST), Georgia (GEO), Greece (GRE), Hungary (HUN), Iceland (ISL), Latvia (LAT), Lithuania (LTU), North Macedonia (MKD), Romania (ROU), and Serbia (SRB).

The camp welcomed 33 participants—22 athletes (10 women and 12 men) and 11 coaches—who embarked on an intensive week of roller ski training and physical conditioning. Over the course of seven rigorous sessions, athletes clocked approximately 15 hours of roller ski practice, honing their technique through technical parkour drills and group exercises focused on both classic and skating styles.

In addition to roller skiing, the camp emphasized full-body conditioning with specialized sessions on running with poles, technical drills, mountain hiking, and strength training. To measure the athletes’ physical progress, a 3000-meter running test and a roller ski competition at the renowned Passo Lavazè track provided benchmarks of their endurance and skill.

The camp also offered theoretical sessions aimed at both athletes and coaches. Topics included video analysis, ski preparation, and nutrition, with a particular highlight being an insightful presentation by Valentina Vuerich, wax technician for the Norwegian World Cup team, on ski selection and waxing techniques. Coaches benefitted from dedicated lectures on ski technique—covering both classic and skating styles—as well as the intricacies of developing effective training plans.

Beyond the structured training, the camp fostered camaraderie through social activities, including a "Pizza Party" at a local pizzeria and “Social Games,” giving participants the chance to unwind and bond in a relaxed setting.

The FDP Cross-Country Summer Camp in Val di Fiemme proved to be a resounding success, offering participants a well-rounded experience that combined physical and technical growth with valuable social connections.