Ski mountaineering is making its Olympic debut at the Winter Games in Italy. What is this sport all about?
"It offers the perfect combination of grueling climbs and exhilarating descents," explains Tatjana Paller.
The 30-year-old German finished fourth in the Olympic sprint and will also compete in the mixed team event of ski mountaineering, or" skimo" for short.
Last year, Paller won bronze in the sprint at the World Championships in Morgins, Switzerland. She has been a ski mountaineer since 2020; before that, she was a successful junior track cyclist.
Paller believes there are similarities between the two sports.
"Endurance sports are endurance sports. You either have a motor, or you don't. But ski mountaineering is even more strenuous. At least you're sitting down when you're cycling," says Paller.
A major facet of the competition is t
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