Profile:

• Julian Eberhard (1986), former Austrian biathlete
• 2006: World Cup debut
• 2015/16: first World Cup victory in the sprint

• 2018: 4th place at the Olympic Games in Pyeongchang
• 2019: 3rd place at the World Championships in Östersund
• 2022: active competitive sports career ended

How did you get involved in the ski marathon scene after your career in biathlon ended?

I already followed the ski marathon scene with interest during my active biathlon career. Ski marathons are a good opportunity to continue to pursue my passion and to be able to compete in one or two competitions in addition to training.

How do you feel about the atmosphere at the big races/ski marathons compared to the World Cups in the biathlon?

The atmosphere at public races is always something very special. From professional athletes with ambitions to win to hobby runners who just want to cover the distance, everything is at the start. At the end, everyone meets up again and shares their experiences. It is a great togetherness.

While in the biathlon there are thousands of fans who make the atmosphere goose-pimply, participants in ski marathons are often thrilled by the natural scenery they can immerse themselves in during the competitions and the natural snow trails that make cross-country skiers’ hearts beat faster.

What tips do you have for cross-country skiers who are taking part in a ski marathon for the first time?

Of course, good preparation is essential. Proper training, depending on your ability, is important so that the project is also fun.

When competing, it is very important to choose the right pace. You should set your own small goals and enjoy your development and get motivation for further tasks.

What should be considered when it comes to equipment?

In addition to clothing that you feel comfortable in and that can withstand any weather conditions, the right choice of skis is certainly important.

The model of the ski should fit your height and body weight. In the later service for the competition, you should deal with base, sharpening and ski wax.

You were always one of the fastest athletes in the biathlon – does that help you in your races now?

I don’t have the ambition to win – I rather enjoy spending a weekend with friends at a successful event, exchanging ideas with sports enthusiasts and soaking up the flair.

But sometimes it’s also a good feeling to wear a race number again and see what you’re capable of! 😉

Which race would you like to compete?

Besides the traditional races in Austria, I would also like to run a fun race in Scandinavia.

What does cross-country skiing mean to you? Where is the journey going for the sport?

Cross-country skiing is a passion for me. This mix of challenging climbs, rapid descents and playful gliding has always excited me. You can choose the pace and the course requirements freely and therefore a really colourful mix from professional to beginner from young to old meets on the cross-country trails – ideal as a sport for the whole family.

As cross-country skiing is a perfect whole-body workout and can also be done very efficiently in terms of time, it is ideally suited to the sporting needs of people today. Doing sports in nature is both a balance and an incentive.

It means dealing responsibly with nature and developing innovative concepts to maintain this offer.

What do you think the organisers need to do to encourage more amateur runners to take part?

A good way is definitely to offer different distances so that it is easier to start and then have the opportunity to improve. Besides, there is the possibility that the whole family can take part and that the children can also try it out.

I think it’s important that the participant, in addition to the experience of taking part, can also take advantage of an offer from his or her field of interest. I’m thinking of waxing courses, training insights from professional athletes, nutrition advice or even self-care tips.

This creates added value that is appreciated by athletes and connects the community. This can again create communities that set new goals and participate in further events.

The possibilities of networking between organisers and participants, but also among the participants, should be supported in the best possible way – this creates exchange and motivation.