Spartans Rode the Pendolino
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On 20 May, footballers from Prague’s Sparta club set off by train to a Sunday Gambrinus League match in Olomouc. It was a continuation of the VIP Pendolino project, which combines the exceptionality of a high-speed train with exceptional meetings.
“The idea came from Sparta. The boys were talking in the locker room. Some of them have personal experience with the Pendolino from private trips, and so that’s how it came about. For us it will definitely make our full schedule more interesting. On the train we can walk around. We don’t have to sit with scrunched legs and we can even sip coffee during the journey. It’s more comfortable and faster. I’ve never been on the Pendolino so I’m really looking forward to it and I’m sure we’ll have a good time. Maybe this will become a tradition,” said striker Marek Kulič.
Sparta defender Zdeněk Pospěch has personal experience with the Pendolino. “I know the Pendolino train intimately. My trips from Prague are often to visit family in Opava. It’s relaxing, calm. I like it. And I even save time compared to driving. Some of the other players take the Pendolino privately, too, and they’re very satisfied with it. Actually, the idea of trying out the Pendolino for a trip to a league match was an idea that emerged among the players in the cabin,” the defender laughs.
A good mood and anticipation of interesting experiences accompanied the Spartans from their departure from Prague’s Holešovice Station all the way to the Haná capital. The first player to have a look in the cockpit was midfielder Pavel Horváth, who waved to fans from the engine driver’s window calling: “To Olomouc, to Olomouc!”
The Sparta players took full advantage during the journey of the train’s comforts. Each spent the journey in his own way. Miroslav Matušovič and goalkeeper Jaromír Blažek watched a DVD of a favourite film on a portable computer, with Luboš Hušek looking over their shoulders. The other players stretched out their legs in comfort and chatted. Captain Tomáš Řepka also set off – after solving a few crossword puzzles – for the engine driver’s cabin and had the driver explain the issues of driving a modern high-speed train.
Even trainer Michal Bílek was satisfied with the journey’s organisation. “I liked the idea from the very beginning. The Pendolino is a modern means of transport, the boys have the comfort and calm they need, and, moreover, the whole trip takes just two hours,” commented the Letná coach.