World(s) here I come

After a somewhat dissapointing competition of last week, I wanted to do some more training at home before leaving for worlds. I tried to find time for as many sets as possible, which were mostly trick sets. I couldn't jump at my home lake, but that was the only event that I felt positive about after the Benelux, so that was oke. I did a lot of tricking and was able to repeatedly, so I gained some confidence there. I also tried 1 slalom set, but the course didn't feel the way it should, and I didn't want to get used to a wrong rythm, so I didn't ski more. Still, I felt more secure about it than before, so I was happy to have done it. I also paid 2 visits to the physio to loosen up my back, since it's been under constant tension. All in all I felt more ready than the start of the week to leave for worlds on Saturday!

Since we had a 7am flight, I had to leave for the airport at 2.30, as we had quite a long drive as well. I was hoping to catch some sleep in the car, but I was a little too excited to go to my first worlds! In total I slept 30 minutes before going to the airport, but I was in a surprisingly good mood at the airport. Checking in my bags and going through security went smooth and we had quite a lot of time before boarding. Then at the airport saw the text World, here I come, which I thought was made for us, if you change it to worlds, here I come.

Finally on the plane I was able to sleep a bit after breakfast was served. Our transfer was quick as well, we got off one plane and on the next without having to wait too long, and then I slept again on the second plane. When we landed all our bags were there too, which we really shoudln't take for granted, as some people are still waiting for ski bags after 3-4 days. Afterwards we went to the hotel, which is really great, except for a disco with really loud bass that was playing till 4.30 in the morning. But the facilities are fantastic.

On Sunday we had our first training slot, but it was at 17.00, so we wanted to fill the time before actively so that we wouldn't nap all day. We went to check out down town and  some shopping malls on the hunt for a local sim card. Talisa now has enough internet to live stream the competition, so I will share where you can find that on Facebook soon. Then finally time to ski on the location!! We had 30 minutes with the team, so 2 skiers haha. Since we jump at different ramp heights, we opted for 1 person to jump, then both slalom, then the other person to jump, so that the height could be changed in between. Tycho was going to jump first, so my first set was slalom. There was quite a lot of wind and I didn't adapt enough when I pulled out, so my timing at the gate was a bit off. However, that is the exact reason I start with a really easy pass, so I ran my 18 meter pass. I wanted to do another one, because I want the rythm to feel good as well. After running the next one, I also ran my 16 twice and I started at 14. A bit of a mental issue, after not running it at the last competition or during the week. I fought for it and ran it both passes. It felt good to run it with both head and tail wind, first try, on a new lake. Definitely gained some confidence for the competition. With jumping, it took me a bit longer than Tycho's slalom set to get ready, so I wasn't really relaxt or ready when I had to start. I really didn't feel good, so I didn't jump on my first cut. The second jump I did take, but my timing felt weird. These two cuts were single, so after I did a 3/4, since that is what I want to do on the competition, but I want to feel the ramp with an easy cut first. When doing the 3/4 I cut out at the same point as normally and was wide enough. Still I was at the ramp way too early, so it is clear that the water is easier than what I'm used to and next training I should really go much later than I am used to in order to get to the ramp at the point that I want. I'm curious to see if I can figure out the timing in tomorrow's set.

All in all, really good on site training and great hotel to spend the week in. I'm super excited and will be posting updates on Facebook, so be sure to check that out!