Ester Ledecká explains why Ondřej Bank no longer helps her with the preparation.
Sport.cz, Sport Invest
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There has been speculation about the departure of Ondřej Banka during the summer, now is his end in your team final?
Unfortunately, he ended his career as a professional coach, at least with me, we agreed after the season. I understand his reasons he needs to be more with his family. He had an active career before, maybe it was already monotonous for him, he had a lot of fun with me. Maybe it will bring him to me sometime again.
Who will replace him in the team as a collaborator of the head coach Tomáš Banek?
I can’t say yet, I have it banned (the name of the new coach should be published next week). But the Red Bull sponsor helped me, thanks to which we were able to add someone to the team to help us. It will also be good for Tomáš to have someone on hand, the logistics for the congresses is more complicated, there are better eyes and more coaches on the track. I am grateful to Tomáš that there was no stress and that they would argue about who will have the main say. We all have one goal – to be the fastest.
| Through the eyes of ski coach Tomáš Banka |
| “I have already persuaded Ondra, he does not want to officially cooperate, but he would be willing to help. Ester is again worried that the cost of the team will not rise to dizzying heights, but the descents and super-G are long, I would like Ondra to be able to ride as another coach from time to time. Choosing a new coach went beyond me. I had selected Roland Assinger, who worked for the Austrian ski slopes and would go for it, we know each other, but Red Bull wanted someone else. Already in the spring they assured me that I also know him and I shouldn’t be nervous, and that’s right, I’m happy with him. Now he was with us on the hill for the first time. |
| The situation in Austria is difficult now, so we are deciding what to do next. Switzerland or Italy are at stake, I think America is nonsense. It’s Justin’s wish (snowboard coach), the Germans got there, the question is how to get back. But I know about the people who turned around at the airport. Especially if we want to go to that parallel race in Austria. “ |
After the start of the World Cup in Sölden, you stayed in Austria at the Kaunertale. How does the current situation, when a lockdown was announced in Austria on Tuesday, affect you?
We are waiting for Sunday what will happen. Looks like they’re closing it down here at the resort on Sunday. Now the training went great, so we try to drive as much as possible. And we’re throwing nets where we’re going.
The parallel races in Austria will take place two weeks later
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The next race, ie the parallel giant slalom in Lech, Austria, was postponed until November 26 due to lack of snow.
When I stay in Europe, I want to ride it, I’m a racing type. In December, the program is busier, there are a lot of races, but it seems that the ski and snowboards do not overlap much, so you can catch the majority. I will race every week, which is great for me, but I train for that.
So is it an option not to stay in Europe?
There are more options and we try to find the best one so that I am best prepared for the conventions, which are the most dangerous discipline. I’m not the type to take a risk, so we’ll be looking for a long hill. There was also a variant to go to America, so we are deciding whether it will be possible to get there.
A celebration of mediocrity? No, I’m very happy, Ledecká shines
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Is it clear that due to the pandemic this year you could not train in a traditional destination in Chile?
Maybe it won’t work. We were in Saas-fee, where there was also a beautiful jump, which I really enjoyed. Chile is great when we are in one place all the time, we have peace there and we drive a lot, but I believe that we have largely replaced it.
Already last season you reached for the crystal globe for the descent, is it an attractive goal for you for the next season? Even though you have crystal at home, thanks to snowboarding, you have a lot …
She is very attractive. It is one of my long-term goals. The globe is a nice thing, I still have a lot of space on the shelf. Sure, I can put vases and flower pots there, but I’d rather the apartment decoration had the same character. (smile) But I have to think about it.
How do measures against the spread of coronavirus complicate the preparation of Ester Ledecká?
Sport.cz, Sport Invest
During the February World Snowboarding Championships in Changjia, China, the Downhill World Cup will also take place a little further on, as well as a test of the Olympic pistes …
Unfortunately, it cannot be combined. But the World Cup is one of the highlights for me, it’s nice that both winters can be caught this winter, not like the year before, when I only went skiing. I always decide according to my feelings whether I am a downhill skier or a snowboarder. These decisions must be made, but I will probably choose the World Cup.
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