Emil Lindgren elbowing his way back

After using most of the 2015 season returning from his injured elbow, Swedens Emil Lindgren, will have the opportunity to compete on familiar ground at the European Championships in Huskvarna, Sweden. Being a pro for 12 years this was his first real injury leaving him out for a lot of races, effecting his ranking of course. He came back being 2:nd at Swedish Nationals where Calle Friberg won.

We had a chat with Emil to see how he´s up to at the moment and thoughts on having a international Championship in Sweden for the first time in 17 years.

What´s the feeling after the first part of your pre-season?

– I am really satisfied with the first part of training for 2016. Reloading, focusing on training instead of racing has been really calming and inspiring. And I could also tell you that my arm finally does not hurt anymore. So I am really stoked for 2016!

When and where will you start next seasons racing?

– If everything falls into place with the organizers I will be on the starting line already at the end of January, for a stage race, in Spain.

European Championships in Sweden, home court, next year. What´s your thoughts regarding that?

– My entire focus for 2016 is qualifying for the Olympics in Rio. That means a stacked schedule during the spring with a lot of races. The European championship is of course one of them and it would be really great to compete in a major event on home court. The goal is to have the best lap time in the Relays and a top-8 place finish in the XC(O). Really looking forward to May!

You have trained and lived several years in Huskvarna (competing for organizing club IKHP), what do think your international colleagues will think about the tracks and surroundings?

– It´s going to be super fun to show my friends from other countries what Sweden look´s like. And since Huskvarna was my hometown for a few years it´s even better. I feel at home at the mountain and I am sure the colleagues from the pro circuit will do the same, both regarding the track and everything around it.

Finally what´s your best advice during preseason training for us struggling non-pros?

– My training is very diverse, get biking, running, gym and nordic walking in there. If there is snow I go for cross-country skiing. Make sure training other things than biking, atleast during November and December. It is important, especially for MTB-riders to work with all of the body, not only legs.

We wish Emil and all other athletes best of luck competing for a spot at the Championship in Sweden as well as in Brazil in 2016!

Photos: Eskil Laago All rights reserved.