In this series of Q&A interviews three Slovakian sports stars discuss their region’s top sport and travel attractions. Here’s what pro-trials bike rider Jan Kocis and professional swimmers Miroslav Cmel and Tamara Potocka had to say…
Jan Kocis (pro-trials bike rider)
As a champion trial rider and cyclist from this region what are your favourite routes, which you would recommend for cycling tourists visiting the Tatras & Liptov region?
“As a peak ‘trials bike rider’, I do not usually use the classic cycle paths, but I mostly go to the more challenging ‘terrain’ so as to cycle on unmodified routes. But I like training at the Kvetnica cyclo-trails, single trails at Lechnica (Pieniny National Park), or – traditionally I go to Sliezsky Dom, Popradske Pleso or Zelene Pleso in High Tatras, which are some of the most classic but also challenging routes for riders.”
If you could choose one adrenaline or adventure activity to do in the Tatras & Liptov region what would it be and where?
“My best adrenaline adventure was definitely the Lomnicky Peak on the bike (see image). I balanced the bike on the rails of the observation jetty, the picture says it all. I also jumped through Žabí kôň, also climbed it. I had some adrenaline adventure during winter by climbing Gerlachovsky Stit, the highest peak of Tatra Mountains.”
Do you take advantage of the wellness spas and thermal waters of the region, if so which treatments and facilities do you recommend?
“My home is in Poprad, so I mostly use the services of AquaCity Poprad. For fitness and wellness to keep mind and body in good shape, this includes the Finnish dry sauna; I used to try cryotherapy as well, to help with injuries which are common for sports people.”
Mirosleav Cmel and Tamara Potocka (swimmers)
The Tatras & Liptov region is full of lakes, rivers, streams and thermal springs – have you been wild swimming and where can you recommend?
Miroslav: “I am a professional swimmer so I spend the most of the time at the pools, not really wild swimming. But sometimes I compete in triathlons and winter swimming competitions, which include open water swims. I often got to some lakes close to Poprad, also the Hornad River running through the Slovak Paradise national park. I recommend visiting the ‘Liptovska Mara Dam’, which is a perfect place for any water sports: swimming, paddle-boarding, yachting, everything.”
Tamara: “I also don’t use rivers, lakes and streams very often, because I am not an open water swimmer but when the pools are closed and water temperature is OK, I use them. Some small lakes around Poprad are very good for swimming, I really like it there. And thermal springs? Of course, for me the medicinal properties of Aquacity’s (Poprad) thermal spring waters in their many pools is highly recommended.”
If you could choose one adrenaline or adventure activity to do in the Tatras & Liptov region what would it be and where?
Miroslav: “I love the adrenaline especially motor sports, but limited options around Poprad, so occasionally, my swimming friends and I go go-karting. I also love the mountains and hiking; in my opinion the best adrenaline rush can be found climbing in the mountains, not just regular routes but above 2000m; they say ‘the best things in life are free’ so find this adrenaline through the experiences of walking, hiking and climbing in our mountains, it will be an adventure of a lifetime. Remember many mountains are self-guide, a few require certified mountain guides.”
Tamara: “I would definitely choose bungee jumping in Štrbské pleso because I always wanted to try it and I have heard very good reviews on it.”
What are your favourite cultural sites and experiences in the region?
Miroslav: “Poprad’s historic square ‘Spisska Sobota’ is my favourite; during training session breaks, I visit for a nice lunch, admire the heritage and architecture of the old houses where you will find the restaurants, cafes and the peaceful atmosphere. This is the perfect escape whilst still in the centre of the city.”
Tamara: “In Poprad we have some cultural sites and most of them are churches, but my favourite is the ‘Renaissance Bell Tower’ in Poprad. The view from the tower is beautiful and internally the building is very interesting. So if you visit Poprad then you should definitely go.”
Do you take advantage of the wellness spas and aquaparks of the region, if so which treatments and facilities do you recommend?
Miroslav: “I train and coach at AquaCity Poprad, so this is like my home. I do not have time to use the water attractions, but love that everything is under one roof. There is a 50m swimming pool, steam and dry saunas, cryotherapy – which is a great part of our training, and many mineral rich thermal hot pools with water jets, all good for muscle regeneration. Throw-in spa and massage therapies, a new health and beauty clinic, it’s a great complex not only for sportsmen, but for lovers of a healthy lifestyle.”
Tamara: “I have been a competitive/professional swimmer since my childhood, and I have to regenerate and protect my body so yes I take advantage of wellness and aquaparks. I love AquaCity’s ‘Fire & Water’ Wellness Spa as it is perfect for relaxation and recovery. I train in the 50m Olympic pool, so I am there often. The region has many thermal pools and saunas which are nice, cosy and of course helpful for my body.”
This project and its activities are implemented with financial support of the Ministry of Transport and Construction of the Slovak Republic
