Here we go again! Preparing for new competitions. The startup has gone smoothly, I have completed a lot of mixed training to build and strengthen my body to withstand the training load to come. Our team has gone through a lot of exercises together and useful knowledge has been exchanged. Every year there is a lot to be changed or improved: shooting position, technique, training methods and so on.One can come close, but there will always be something to improve when you are a biathlete. This delights me, to work purposefully and to push myself to new heights.
The long skiing season has really been amazing here in Sjusjøen. I went skiing until the 19th of May! Nice to be able to take advantage of the long lasting snow conditions here in Norway. I find it really effective to work on my skiing skills for this long a period after the contests. And skiing in springtime is really something unique, with the pleasant weather and a nice crust. 

So, a new season has commenced and I am really looking forward to training and working hard to improve and take the next step towards the top! 

Greetings from Lotte

On the 13th of February a girl's dream came through.. I was to embark on my first world championship as a senior! Competition format: mixed relay, and the first leg was mine. Side by side with the greatest biathlon stars, my idols of many years. In beautiful Antholz with an almost packed stadium (full capacity of 40.000 spectators). An unbelievably insane kick!

That's actually what it was like, competing in my first WC - one big crazy kick! A jam-packed arena every day, cheering crowds, close proximity to the international biathlon stars, passing through the media zone, and to have a fully professional support team. Everything seemed totally absurd, far too good to be true. But here I was, enjoying every minute of it and trying to learn as much as possible. Because that were the goals for participating in this championship, gain many experiences and deliver as best as I could.

In retrospect the championships were a fantastic event for me - on the shooting range I achieved my season's best results and I ended up as one of the better shots in the competition. I also managed to enhance my physical shape towards this contest after a rather difficult start of the season in November. I succeeded in qualifying for the pursuit, but only just, and I was the last one to start, nr 60, right behind the famous Tiril Eckhoff. Now, that was truly exciting! Brought home a 45th place in the individual race with 18 hits, so far my best WC result - very uplifting. 

I won't say no to more world championships like the one in Italy, preferably climbing higher on the scoreboard with each performance. Pokljuka, Slovenia will host the next world championships in 2021. I'll be there!

Unfortunately the biathlon season was cut short due to the corona virus. That 's why our break started a little earlier than planned but, after a season with a lot of new impressions, I felt an extended intermission would be very welcome. As one currently cannot travel abroad I spent the easter holidays at home in Skatval. Ever so great being served home cooking and getting together with my family is always a treat :-)
For the rest of the time I was in Lillehammer enjoying the excellent snow conditions Sjusjøen and Nordseter still have to offer. Mostly cross country skiing but I also love taking my randonnée equipment savouring som splendid rides downhill as a reward for the climbing efforts. I 've relished many lengthy outings cross country skiing this month, something I really appreciate since there's hardly any time to do so when training starts again. In between I 've been working when needed, I'm a home care substitute here in Lillehammer. 

Now, my batteries are fully charged again and I'm ready to embark on a new training season. I am still with Team Mesterbakeren and the Belgian national team. https://team-mesterbakeren.no / https://www.belgium-biathlon.be