It is not easy to be a Nordic in a country like Macedonia, where skiing is practiced by few enthusiasts. In the countries where skiing is a tradition, it is completely different, because the future champions there are introduced to skiing from a very young age, and the first advice they get when they get on the skis is from their parents.

This is what Macedonian representatives Ana Cvetanovska and Stavre Jada say, who were guests in the studio of Slobodna TV. However, although they are aware that they will never get the conditions that their competitors from Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and Austria have, both Anna and Stavre are very ambitious before the start of the new season.

- We still have snow preparations ahead of us, which start on Wednesday. We will be preparing at 1890 meters in Livigno, Italy. We will stay there until December 10, and then we will dedicate ourselves to the performances and the races that await us. First up is the World Cup race in Davos, Switzerland. In a short time we will return home to Macedonia, to continue with performances in the new year. We will be abroad for a total of five months, and we are putting the main emphasis on the Balkan Cup - says Cvetanovska.

Jada, although he is young, he is already an experienced competitor, so it is hard to believe him when he claims that he is very satisfied with the preparations made during the summer period.

- The summer period was quite busy, because we had a larger number of roller races. But we had a great time and I can say that we had excellent preparations at the base in Belmeken, Bulgaria, located at 2000 meters above sea level. I am very satisfied with what has been practiced so far, and now we will continue in Italy in the snow, in order to get real preparation for the World Cup in Davos - said Jada. He also explained that during the summer months, Nordics around the world compete on a special type of roller skates on two wheels, which give the feeling of running on snow. The only difference is in the temperature, because it is very hot in summer and cold in winter. However, the results of the summer and winter races are scored equally and this makes no difference in setting the norm for the major competitions.

Skiing is an expensive sport, and the two representatives are determined that the expenses for the preparations and performances are fully covered by the Ski Federation of Macedonia.

– The ski federation provides us with travel, accommodation, and food. Of course, we justify it with hard training and results - adds Cvetanovska.

Both are hoping for victory this season in the Balkan Cup, where a successful result guarantees participation in every race of the World Cup next year.

In continuation, watch the entire interview with the Macedonian representatives.