Alexandra Jekova may be referred to as an “exceptional spot of color” on the map of the FIS Snowboard World Cup circuit. Representing Bulgaria, the 25-year-old rider from Sofia has struggled to make her way to the top of the world.

Alexandra Jekova. Photo: Momchil Hristov, Make up: Alina Manova

As her father Victor was one of the first to make snowboarding known in her home country running a ski and snowboard school, Alexandra quickly switched from skiing to snowboarding and thus became the fastest race board and boarder cross rider in Bulgaria – mostly thanks to an exceptional will to compete and become a champion.

After years of learning from scratch, she now benefits from national support, personal sponsors and a professional team traveling the globe with her thus making her one of the strongest female boarder cross riders on the tour.

No wonder that Alexandra has been training hard during summer to add some more World Cup wins to her belt (two so far) and also aims for the big one at the upcoming FIS Snowboard World Championships 2013 in Stoneham (CAN) as well as in Sochi 2014.

FISSnowboard.com took the opportunity to interview Alexandra.

FISSnowboard.com: You have had to train hard for staying in shape, also during summer. What is your favorite exercise?

Alexandra Jekova: I like being active in every way, so usually my time off is very well organised with media work, social engagements, University (I am studying sports management) and work in the sports structure in Bulgaria.

In addition, I do train a lot to stay in good shape. In the summer I am doing a lot of windsurfing, paddle boarding, wake boarding, skateboarding, motocross, mountain biking, running, cross fit and gym heavy weight sessions as well.

Of course my favorite sport is windsurfing (wave riding) and motocross as they are challenging for both my body and mind; just like boarder cross.

What else did you do?

I was studying a lot but I also travelled to train again in New Zealand. The training camp there was the best I ever had - a World Cup level course, perfect snow and a great crew!

What is the best/worst about summer training?

The best is that you have to push yourself hard to progress and usually you can see the progress in your strength levels. But the worst is that you have to wait a long time until you can compete again in December.

If during training, some musician in your iPod could come to life, who would it be and why?

I love rock...so I always have Led Zeppelin on my iPod...would be great if I could have Jimmy Page charging on the start.

If you could go for a swim anywhere in the world now after summer, where would it be?

Tahiti! And I will.

FISsnowboard.com
Thursday 11 October 2012