It has already been reported that German specialist Eihorn has joined the coaching staff of the Latvian national team on a part-time basis this season. Since his main job is in the German armed forces, the coach will join the Latvian national team in physical training, track training, as well as technical work in both stages of the World Cup on the German track in Oberhof, in the European Championship, which will take place on the German track in Winterberg, as well as in the World Championship on the Canadian track in Whistler.
“Attracting him is definitely a plus, because he knows the German tracks very well and will be able to tell some tricks and give some advice on how to drive, including at the start,” says Aparjode.
At the training camp in Sigulda, Elīna Ieva Bota tried the inclines given by Eichhorn, so she communicated more with the German specialist. She emphasizes Eichhorn’s different way of thinking and looking at things.
“He has different ideas. I can give it a try, and then we’ll see if it’s a good thing. It’s definitely not going to be a bad thing to attract him,” says Botha.
At the moment, the athletes are preparing for the season, in which the best form must be achieved after the new year.
“Nothing has ended with the start of the competition. We continue training both on the track and in physical preparation. The main competition will start in January. And by then I hope to be 100% ready physically,” Bota explains.
“I’ve been to all the tracks at least a couple of times. I don’t remember anything at all from the South Korean track, where we were at the 2018 Olympic Games, except for the catchy ninth turn,” says Aparjode, promising to return to the almost seven-year-old track record.
She still remembers the Chinese track quite well, but “Whistler is not a very difficult track” and has been ridden more than the Asian tracks.
“I like the Whistler track and I’m happy that the world championship will be there, even though I’ve only been there twice,” says Botha about the start in Canada.
About the European Championship course in the German city of Winterberg, Aparjode says that it is convenient for her because it is long, but it has very important starting meters, because the starting hill is flat and more than many other courses, it means a good start.
Bota, on the other hand, mentions that she has had a lot of success in Winterberg, but the important thing is to make as many trips as possible on each track, which improves the result.
“I want me to ride as well in the race as I did in training, and if the training rides have come together, so that I don’t invent a new America and try something completely different,” says Botha.
This season, for the first time, a mixed competition will be held, in which the team will be represented by one man and one woman, and in the doubles competition – one male and one female pair each.
Aparjode draws attention to the fact that this season there will be a new system in the team relay as well. If previously the time for the women who completed the first stage was taken from the moment they entered the track, now they will enter the track after the starting gate opens.
The World Cup season will start with a stage at the Norwegian circuit in Lillehammer, which will take place from November 30 to December 1. Having completed nine stages in the season, the World Cup season will end on February 22 and 23 at the Yangqing track in China. On January 4 and 5, the fourth stage of the competition will take place on the Sigulda track.
The European Championship will be held on January 18 and 19 during the sixth stage of the World Cup at the Winterberg track in Germany, while the World Championship will be hosted by the Whistler track in Canada from February 6 to 8.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and German Coach Eihorn
Editor: Good day, and thank you for joining us today! It’s an exciting time for the Latvian national team with your recent addition to the coaching staff. As someone who also serves in the German armed forces, how do you manage your time between these two significant commitments?
Eihorn: Thank you for having me! It’s definitely a juggling act. My primary role is with the armed forces, but I find coaching to be a passion that allows me to contribute to the sport I love. Fortunately, I can align my military schedule to make it work with the Latvian team’s training and competitions.
Editor: That’s fascinating! Your insights into the German tracks must be invaluable to the team. Can you share how your experience might shape the athletes’ performance, especially during key competitions in Oberhof and Winterberg?
Eihorn: Absolutely! Knowing the nuances of the German tracks allows me to provide tailored advice to the athletes regarding strategy and techniques, particularly at the start, where every detail matters. By understanding the specific characteristics of each course, I can help them gain crucial advantages during both training and competition.
Editor: Elīna Ieva Bota mentioned in our article that your ideas seem very different and refreshing. How do you feel your approach to training might influence the team?
Eihorn: I believe every athlete has unique strengths and perspectives. I strive to introduce new concepts and challenge conventional thinking, encouraging athletes to step out of their comfort zones. This not only enhances their skill set but also promotes creativity in their racing strategies. Elīna is an open-minded athlete, and that trait is essential when trying new methods.
Editor: The athletes are currently preparing intensively for the upcoming season. How do you view their training regimen leading up to the World Championship in Whistler, especially with less than optimal conditions they might face?
Eihorn: Preparation is key! The team has worked diligently on both physical conditioning and track-specific skills. I focus on ensuring they are not only ready to perform but also mentally prepared to adapt to different track conditions. As we know, Whistler is generally easier than some tracks, but we can’t underestimate the competition. Every little bit of preparedness counts.
Editor: Acknowledging those challenges, what is your impression of the teams’ morale and readiness as we look toward the new year?
Eihorn: The athletes are enthusiastic and committed. They have shown immense dedication in the lead-up to their main competitions. I’m excited to see how they implement what we’ve worked on together. Confidence plays a huge role in performance, and I believe they are gaining that confidence each day we train.
Editor: Lastly, what do you anticipate will be the most significant factor for both you and the athletes when competing on home soil in Oberhof?
Eihorn: Home soil always carries its own pressures and advantages. Familiarity with the track can translate into a psychological edge. The most crucial factor will be how well we leverage this advantage while maintaining focus amidst the excitement of competing in Germany. Communication will be paramount, ensuring that we navigate any hurdles together.
Editor: Thank you, Coach Eihorn, for sharing your insights. We look forward to seeing how the Latvian national team performs with your guidance this season!
Eihorn: Thank you! I appreciate the opportunity to discuss this, and I’m eager to see how we can continue to grow as a team.