Val di Fiemme (from our correspondent) – The Czech Olympic sprint team had a historic result today, eliciting an emotional response from former skiing star, who admitted to being moved to tears. “I’m absolutely thrilled, it brought me to tears,” she said, adding, “I’ve admired Jiří [Tuž]’s performances and demeanor for seasons and today I’m an even bigger fan.”
Tuž, a rising star, has only been competing among the elite for under two years, but already made a name for himself with a fifth-place finish at the World Cup in Falun last year and a seventh-place showing at the World Championships in Trondheim.
The former champion encountered Tuž after the qualification round, where he impressed with a fourth-place finish. “He was amazing on the course. And at the finish, he said, ‘I’m not tired at all.’ I had a really quality feeling about him,” recalled the five-time Olympic medalist.
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Tuž continued to turn heads in the elimination rounds. “He was the best in the quarterfinal and semifinal, and he clearly deserved to be in the final. It wasn’t luck or coincidence. he earned it, and he looked incredibly strong on such a challenging course,” Neumannová praised.
Tuž demonstrated particular strength on the climbs, powering up the hills with a rapid frequency. His technique mirrored that of Norwegian star Johannes Høsflot Klæbo, though Klæbo ultimately proved his abilities were a step above the rest in the final.
“Klæbo started it, and Jiří adapted it to his own capabilities. That style is modern and, above all, effective for steep climbs,” Neumannová explained. When asked if it appeared simple, she responded, “I reckon anyone can do it, it’s not difficult to learn. But you have to be physically prepared. And Jiří’s performance is proof of his incredible fitness,” she added.
Tuž will compete in the 10-kilometer freestyle race in Val di Fiemme on Friday, and as well has high hopes in the freestyle team sprint with Michal Novák. “Why not? Michal didn’t perform well in the sprint, but the team sprint is more about endurance. And when Jiří is in form, he can capitalize in any race,” Neumannová believes.
