Matěj Bernát - new ralpu ambassador
author: ralpu
January 31, 2023
The ranks of ralp ambassadors are growing with the extremely talented climber, skier, ultra runner and alpinist Matěj Bernát ( Instagram ). He was the first in the Czech Republic (and probably also in Slovakia) to complete the ascent of all Alpine four-thousanders, and in record time he climbed the extremely difficult Gipsy Pass in the High Tatras. How did he get into the sport, how does he manage to combine work with hobbies and what are his plans for the future? Read the details below, where Matěj describes his journey.
Matej in his own words
I am 27 years old. I live near Zlín. I am dedicated to ski mountaineering, mountain climbing and extreme sports. I work as a dentist. I started playing sports when I was 9 years old, in the biathlon section. In high school, I was involved in athletics, and gradually started competing in ski mountaineering and mountain marathons. My parents developed my relationship with mountains and nature practically from birth. We spent most weekends at an abandoned cottage in the Beskydy Mountains. We went to the High Tatras, Malá Fatra and later the Alps. I have been engaged in ski mountaineering since I was 11 years old. Climbing itself started while studying at the Gymnasium in the climbing section of Zlín.
Matěj decided on the COROS VERTIX 2 model. This model offers up to 140 hours of battery life in second GPS mode. However, the biggest draw is the use of the Dual Frequency GPS module in the watch. COROS VERTIX 2 is the first GPS watch in the world (at the time of its launch) equipped with a dual-frequency satellite system. It can communicate with all major satellite systems (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS and Beidou) in two parallel frequencies (L1 + L5) simultaneously. The L5 frequency has so far been used only for aviation safety services. This standard offers higher performance, greater bandwidth and advanced signal architecture. In practice, this means that this most advanced civilian GPS signal significantly improves the accuracy of GPS recording in situations where typical GPS watches fail - in the mountains, when climbing walls, in forests with dense tree crowns, or in cities with tall buildings. The authorized dealer of the COROS brand in Slovakia is the Slovak e-shop ralpu, based in Liptovský Mikuláš.
Achievements
Sports and movement in the mountains are my life's passion and fun. They consider the joy of movement and the space to develop further to be the greatest success. I appreciate the possibility of connecting sport and my work. Whether I'm racing, climbing, running, skiing or working in a doctor's office, I always try to focus as much as possible on the given activity.
Paradoxically, perhaps the most I appreciate the unsuccessful ascent to Pik Lenin 7,134 masl. I tried to set a speed record on the route Base Camp - summit - Base Camp. Despite most of the factors that were against, be it the current weather conditions, the state of the glacier, my intestinal problems, temperatures or bad acclimatization. The day before departure, I gave it a try, I reached 300 meters from the summit, climbed 4,000 meters above sea level and walked 50 km. Putting everything into it is always more important in my eyes than the result itself. I was the first in the Czech Republic and probably also in Slovakia to complete the ascents of all Alpine four-thousanders. I crossed the ski alpine Gipsy pass in record time and I was fourth in the steepest Czech ultramarathon B7. Everything is the result of hundreds of hours spent in activities that generate joy. The result of the support of family, friends, sponsors and luck.
Plans
Mountains and nature are a place of endless inspiration for me. Of course, I have certain visions for next season. A list written on paper is always unrealizable due to the number of goals. It is motivation for maximum use of my potential and it allows me to react to current conditions, condition and settings. A favorable season for ski alpinism can be bad for alpinism and vice versa. Certain projects will be completed later, some will be replaced by others. Natural development... It is essential to connect movement in the mountains with work. The main goal of the next season is an expedition to the eight-thousander Manásla 8163 meters above sea level. I have a long and technical circuit in the Vysoké Tatras in my head. I don't know if it is realistic. In the Alps, I would like to try the Ultra Royal Traverse in the Mont Blanc massif. From the races, I will be at the start of LH24, Bokami, LHUT and B7. If I feel like it. Races are no longer a priority. And I signed up for a paragliding course...
Why the COROS brand?
Because the watch's battery life should be at least as long as an athlete's. Positive references of the best athletes in the world, such as Eliud Kipchoge, Kilian Jornet and Tony Caldwell. One of the most accurate GPS systems in the world.
Conclusion
At ralp, we are happy to support such a talented mountain athlete. It confirms that COROS products can appeal to a wide range of male and female mountain athletes and help them push their limits. We are keeping our fingers crossed for Matěj in his further mountain sports projects! You can also find him on his Instagram .