On the first competition day of the BMW IBU World Cup Biathlon Pokljuka 2025, Jakov Fak, after ten years, secured another Slovenian victory and a great deal of excitement. An important role in success or failure is played by the ski technician team when preparing the skis. In the Slovenian national team, this is led by Anže Globevnik.
The battle with challenging weather conditions was not only fought by the tireless workers in Pokljuka, who struggled with preparing the tracks, but also by the ski technician teams of the national teams. “Thursday was very challenging. The tracks were prepared, then came the rain, and in the morning, more snow. When the weather changes day by day, we are forced to start over with the skis again and again,” said Globevnik, who, after more than two decades of working with the Slovenian team, is used to always making new hand structures under such conditions.
This means that the ski technicians initially use special rollers to create a profile on the skis (like a profile on car tires) to drain water. This is followed by choosing the wax, which is of crucial importance. The team, which includes Miha Plahutnik and Miloš Čolić (nicknamed “Zdravc” after the famous singer), is supported by many others during races when testing the skis. Among them are Boštjan Klavžar, long-time coach of Anamarija Lampič, head coach Janez Marič, Tomas Globočnik, head of the discipline at the Ski Association of Slovenia, and Jure Ožbolt, another coach.
Globevnik explained their main task: “Their main job is to test the wax on the track to see if it still works as we want after the test. We continue testing. They never mind helping. All of us, as a team, work for our biathlon and the best possible equipment.”
Anže Globevnik has been involved in biathlon for many years, first as a biathlete and later as a ski technician. A lot has changed over the years. Due to the ban on using fluoride and environmental concerns, waxes have changed significantly. “Big teams develop their own waxes, and various institutes even develop them for them. We try to make the best use of what is available on the market. This is a problem for all ski technicians. Sometimes it works very well, sometimes it doesn’t. You never get used to it and you’re never indifferent to it. Of course, it pressures you. For us, it’s important that athletes don’t judge the equipment immediately after the race, as their minds are heated and impulsive. It’s right to discuss it later. They also need to understand that sometimes things don’t work out, and at the same time, they need to be honest with themselves and their performance. The most important thing is a fair assessment,” he explained.
The work of a ski technician demands a full commitment and a lot of sacrifice, which is not always easy. “As the season comes to an end, I’ve often been close to finishing this story. But then, once again, there are not enough people, and I’m back at it. Not just us, probably everyone in the caravan, at the end of the season, is fed up and thinking about change, but then we return,” Globevnik said.
Special recognition should also go to the family members, who always show great understanding and patience. “The most important thing is to have a partner by your side. I also realize what my wife has to take care of and do when she’s alone with the children. And when you think about them, sometimes it’s tough,” he concluded.
