Dario Cologna in interview

Tue, May  26, 2009 - By FIS

23-year-old Dario Cologna goes into history as the first Swiss overall World Cup winner in Cross-Country Skiing. The likeable native of Val Müstair established himself in the past season after already strong performances in the season 07/08, in the crème de la crème of the Cross-Country sport as he won the third edition of the Viessmann FIS Tour de Ski performance by Craft Sportswear, the World Cup Final and the overall World Cup. The FIS Cross-Country News had the chance to talk to the new Swiss superstar briefly last week about the events after the season and have a look into the future

CCN: Dario, after a great season with overall World Cup victory as the first Swiss skier and the Tour de Ski title, what have you done in the past month to recover?

Dario Cologna: I have enjoyed the winter in Davos, where I currently live, with Alpine Skiing and Cross-Country. Also I competed in Norway and could conclude my season with a victory at the Skarverennet. That was an unique experience. Just now I am having some holidays to refuel before the training for the new season starts.

CCN: What changes came up in the life of Dario with such success last winter?
Dario Cologna: With the overall World Cup victory I had more attention from the media and several different requests. But the success also opened many "doors" and I was able to enjoy a lot of great moments. After the season I restructured my enviroment but otherwise I'm still the same as before the winter.

CCN: How does your personal summer preparation look for the next season?

Dario Cologna: I will train mainly with the Swiss National Team in Magglingen in the summer, where the Swiss Federal Office of Sports is based with a lot of sports facilities, and in Davos

CCN: Looking forward to the next season, what will be your main goals in the 2010 Olympic season?

Dario Cologna: For sure my main goal is the Olympic Games in Vancouver next February but as the title defender, the FIS Tour de Ski is also a goal for me.

CCN: Last but not least the look into the future: What is Dario Cologna doing in ten years?

Dario Cologna: Let us wait and see...