June Aranburu (Tolosa, 2009) and Libe Curras (Tolosa, 2011), members of the Alpino Uzturre cross-country skiing team, have achieved remarkable results in the recently concluded season. These accomplishments have provided them with the opportunity to compete in international events, showcasing their high skill level.
Aranburu competes in the U18 category but often faces absolute-level skiers. In Euskal Herria, she secured first place in her category and third in the absolute category, in both sprint and distance. In the Spanish Championship, she placed second in her category in both long-distance (skating) and sprint (classic), and achieved fifth and seventh places in the absolute category, respectively. Curras, competing in the U16 category, was third in distance and second in sprint at the Spanish Championship. She also claimed first place in the Spanish Cup and victories in the Euskal Herria championships.
When there is no snow, the members of Alpino Uzturre train on roller skis. In this modality, Aranburu also secured sixth place in the Spanish Championship sprint in the absolute category and second in distance. In the Euskal Herria championship, she was second in the absolute category. Curras, for her part, achieved second place in the Spanish Championship sprint and first in distance, winning the sprint in the Euskal Herria championship.
“"There is always something to improve, but it must be taken into account that in the Spanish Championship I compete with senior-level skiers, and it is more difficult for me to achieve good results than in my category."
Both skiers expressed satisfaction with their results, although they acknowledge there is always room for improvement. Aranburu highlighted that living in Tolosa and skiing at a high level is a significant challenge due to the distance to snow areas. Nevertheless, their achievements have allowed them to compete internationally with the Spanish national team, which they greatly value.
Curras has participated in two international events: the popular Skiri Trophy and the Fesa Cup, the latter with the Spanish national team. Aranburu also competed in the Fesa Cup. There, they observed a significant difference in training conditions compared to other European skiers. Aranburu achieved 35th place in the U18 category and finished among the top fifteen in relays. Curras secured 29th place in her category.
“"It was bigger than I expected. After all, skiing is part of their daily lives. We have to spend two hours to go skiing."
Serious training begins in June, with summer activities including roller skiing, cycling, running, and gym workouts. When snow arrives, they ski on weekends and combine roller skiing, running, and gym sessions during the week. The season concluded at the end of March, followed by a short break in April.
