First Portuguese in the Birkebeiner race
André Santos has cross-country skied only a few times in his life. Through a training programme developed at NTNU he will participate in the prestigious race from Rena to Lillehammer.
The Birkebeiner race is one of the most popular tests of strength for professional and hobby skiers in Norway, but the race is well-known amongst foreign skiers as well. In 2013 over a thousand foreigners participated, and this year even Pippa Middleton has signed up for the race.
Another contestant this year is 25 year old André Santos from Porto.
– There is little knowledge about cross-country skiing in my home country. There is some alpine skiing, but that is all. It is probably because of the lack of snow, Santos says.
Hoping for increased popularity in Portugal
Five years ago, at the age of twenty, André watched his first cross-country ski race, which sparked his interest for the Norwegian national sport.
– I have skied on actual skis maybe four or five times in total, so I’m a little excited, he says.
He hoped to compete in the Winter Olympics, but when money became an issue, he chose Norway and the Birkebeiner race. He is bringing a camera crew that will document his journey, which will be broadcasted to millions of Portuguese tv-screens.
– I contacted the Norwegian embassy in Portugal in October and asked if they were interested in financing my trip to Norway. It turned out they were, and now we’re here, Santos says and laughs.
Help from NTNU's science
In order for him to be as ready for the race as possible, André has had frequent contact with Professor Jan Helgerud at the Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging at NTNU.
– Jan has been a great help to me. He made me focus on interval skiing, and it has by far improved my cardiovascular fitness. I am now able to double pole uphill with a heart rate of 90 percent, Santos says.
Helgerud himself was glad to help.
– I have given André some tips and advice by telephone and e-mail, Helgerud explains.
Together with Jan Hoff, Helgerud has done research on the importance of maximum oxygen consumption (vo2max) for better cardiovascular fitness, and to prevent heart disease.
– I adviced him to train on roller skis for 20-30 minutes in total per session, with 4x5 or 6x5 intervals. In addition I told him to train his upper body strength two times a week, Helgerud says.
Your thoughts on how André will perform in the Birkebeiner race?
– It is impossible for me to say since I have never seen him ski. It depends on how he does technically. I will have a clearer picture on his abilities when the race has finished. However, I am convinced that he will complete the race, he says.
Cooperates with Team Santander
In addition to receiving help from the Norwegian embassy and Helgerud, André is also going to cooperate with the professional skiing team Team Santander and the brothers Anders and Jørgen Aukland. Anders has won the Birkebeiner race numerous times before.
– I am going to race with Team Santander during the competition, which is fantastic. The Aukland brothers have provided me with much help, says André Santos.
– Team leader of Team Santander, Nils Marius Otterstad, says they are focused on providing André with everything he needs for the race.
– So far we have helped him with his initial goal, having a team to race for. The week before the race he will stay with us in Oslo and we will do some practice races and try improving his technique, and make sure he eats right. We will take good care of him, Otterstad says.
Otterstad thinks Santos will enjoy the race.
– He will have a fantastic experience skiing over the mountains. The atmosphere along the slope is exceptional. Also, he is going to have a great sense of achievement which will grow by each meter he races from Sjusjøen and downwards. It will give him a great kick and energy, he says.
Focused and nervous
André has experienced being an unusual sight in his hometown.
– Every time I rollerski in the streets people are interested about what I am doing. I am really looking forward to this. But I am also a little nervous, he says.
Otterstad praises André for his commitment.
– André has been really focused and enthusiastic about the whole project. We are proud to help skiers like him, who want to master Norway's greatest ski race, he says.
In addition to good attitude, Otterstad and Team Santander only want one thing from André.
– We hope he brings a nice bottle of Port to enjoy after the race, Otterstad says.
André laughs when he hears about the request.
– I am sure we can figure something out, he says.
