Fabián Štoček about his triumph at Vasaloppet China

by ANDRÉ SANTOS • 11.01.2024
Fabián Štoček
Explore Fabián Štoček’s thrilling victory at Vasaloppet China, a Ski Classics Challengers event held at the beginning of January 2024. Delve into the tactics that led to his win, the role of the Vltava Fund Ski Team, and Štoček’s perspectives on competing in international ski events. Plus, get insights into the post-race celebration and his upcoming challenges.

In a recent interview with ProXCskiing.com, Fabián Štoček, Vltava Fund Ski Team, the winner of Vasaloppet China 2024, shared insights into his remarkable victory and experiences racing in China. Štoček edged out Thomas Bing by a mere second, a feat he attributes to strategic positioning and learning from past races.

“I got a cramp the last 1km and slowed down and completely relaxed behind Thomas and then was able to respond to his surge on the last hill,” Štoček explained, highlighting the intense competition and his tactical approach in the final moments.

Also Read: Fabián Štoček and Zhao Xinle winners of Vasaloppet China 2024

Fabián also compared Vasaloppet China to other races, noting a slightly less competitive field this year due to the absence of the Chinese team. “The Competition is certainly not as high,” he said, mentioning that the Chinese team had commitments elsewhere. However, this did not diminish the significance of his victory. “It has been a dream come true for a long time,” Štoček reflected, acknowledging the personal and team achievement.

The article continues below.

Vasaloppet China
Fabián Štoček, Vltava Fund Ski Team, winner of Vasaloppet China 2024. Photo: Vasaloppet China

Discussing the differences between racing in Europe and China, the Czech Pro Team athlete emphasized the unique challenges and joys of competing in China, from adapting to local food to navigating jet lag. His familiarity and appreciation of Chinese culture, partly due to time spent in Beijing, added to his positive experience. “I really enjoy Chinese food after living in Beijing for a couple of months and doing research,” he shared.

Watch Here: Watch the second episode of Ski Classics Ski or Die now! Featuring Vltava Fund Ski Team

Celebration for Štoček and his fellow competitors included a gala banquet and a night at a local Chinese Karaoke place, embracing the cultural experience. “They really throw a big party,” he said, indicating the grand scale of the event.

Looking ahead, Štoček is already engaged in new challenges, competing at the European Ski Mountaineering Championships in France, with plans to move to Toblach for subsequent competitions. His victory in China not only marks a significant achievement in his career but also showcases the global nature of the sport and the cultural exchanges it fosters.

Also Read – Ski Classics Ski or Die: “I always knew I wanted to do more long-distance”

Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XV

The Season XV of Ski Classics Pro Tour consists of 15 events on 11 event weekends in 6 different countries. The season started in Bad Gastein, Austria, on December 9, 2023, and will end in Norway with the 100km Ski Classics Grand Finale Janteloppet on April 13, 2024.

Next up is the 3 Zinnen Ski Marathon in Italy on January 13, 2024. The event marks the fifth Ski Classics Pro Tour stage of Season XV.

Read More: 3 Zinnen Ski Marathon this Saturday in Italy

Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XV (2023/2024)

  • Event 1: December 9, 2023 – Bad Gastein PTT, Austria, 13km
  • Event 2: December 10, 2023 – Bad Gastein Criterium, Austria, 36km
  • Event 3: December 16, 2023 – La Venosta Criterium, Italy, 35km 
  • Event 4: December 17, 2023 – La Venosta ITT, Italy, 10km
  • Event 5: January 13, 2024 – 3 Zinnen Ski Marathon, Italy, 62km
  • Event 6: January 20, 2024 – Engadin La Diagonela, Switzerland, 56km
  • Event 7: January 28, 2024 – Marcialonga, Italy, 70km
  • Event 8: February 11, 2024 – Jizerská50, Czech Republic, 50km
  • Event 9: February 17, 2024 – Grönklitt Classic, Sweden, 60km
  • Event 10: February 18, 2024 – Grönklitt ITT, Sweden, 13km
  • Event 11: March 3, 2024 – Vasaloppet, Sweden, 90km
  • Event 12: March 16, 2024 – Birkebeinerrennet, Norway, 54km
  • Event 13: April 6, 2024 – Reistadløpet, Norway, 50km
  • Event 14: April 7, 2024 – Summit 2 Senja, Norway, 60km
  • Event 15: April 13, 2024 – Ski Classics Grand Finale – Janteloppet, Norway, 100km

More information about the Ski Classics Pro Tour can be found at skiclassics.com

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