30.12.2016

Bertram Frenzel: Jizerska 50 is different from other races

"I was on several races, but the Jizerska 50 is different for me," said Bertram Frenzel from Germany, who has fifteen starts at Jizerska 50. Read his story!

Bertram, you competed at Jizerska 50 for 15 times, that’s very impressive! What brings you here?

True, every year since 1999 I was there. The only exception was 2005, where I spent six months travelling with my family in South America. The Jizerska 50 is always a great experience for me. When you were there every year, you can not say anymore, this time I stay at home.

Do you have any funny stories from all those years you competed at Jizerska?

Once, at Kristanov, suddenly the tracks were icy. I was lucky to have Klister to wax again. Suddenly 5 runners were with me and wanted help from me. It took some time until I could continue. But I do not know which year it was. In 2012 there was a snowstorm and many runners broke off on the way. I did not want to quit, because I don’t come this long way to the Jizera Mountains for only a part of the route.

I saw you did some other cross country skiing races as Vasaloppet or König, but then there is 15 starts at Jizerska, why do you return every single year since 1999?

I was on several races, but not regularly. The Jizerska 50 is different for me. It is not far from Germany and on both sides of the border I have quite a few friends. From my hometown Fürth (next to Nürnberg) in Franconia I usually go to my friend Tino in Seifhennersdorf on the Saturday before the race. We got to know each other in Chile in 1995, where we were mountaineering together. On Sunday early morning we usually go with a group of some people to the run After the coming Jizerska 50, we will continue skiing to Kocour brewery in Varnsdorf, where my friend Cenda from Rumburk is celebrating his birthday. With him and other friends from Czechia I went to a cycling tour for several days last summer.

What do you like the most about Jizerska 50?

I like the good organization and atmosphere during the run. I especially like the beautiful scenery in the Jizera Mountains and the beautiful route. On some races you have to go two rounds, which I do not really like.

Every year you compete in the same colourful skiing suit, is that your team suit or just your favourite? Are we gonna see you in the same suit at 50th Jizerska 50 in 2017?

That’s true, many friends have recognized me from far away because of this colourful suit. I bought it in 2000 at Vasaloppet, but last year I had to buy a new one. Actually, the colour is not important for me.

What is your sports background? When did you start competing in xc skiing?

I was born in Saxony and was often travelling with my parents in the Erzgebirge/Krusne hory as a child. Besides, I like trekking and climbing, as well as cycling and canoeing or kayaking. Many activities I have also done abroad. So I was travelling several times in Asia and South America for several months. In 1999, I was asked by a friend if I would come to the Jizerska 50. I thought this is something new for me and I decided to try it.

What is your first Jizerska 50 memory?

Instead to wax the skis in the evening before the run, we sat for too long in the inn (hostinec v Bedrichov) and the beer tasted very good. The next day at the run, it was twice as difficult as normally. The year later we did not do this anymore.

What’s your goal for 2017?

Of course, be healthy for many activities. In addition to the Jizerska 50 I also participate in further skiing runs, for example probably in the Birkebeiner in Norway. In summer I want to go for some trekking tours in the Alps with my family. Also, a one-week cycling tour with my Czech friends is planned.