Essendon midfielder David Zaharakis is confident the club’s high altitude camp to Boulder, Colorado will ensure he builds a strong fitness base for the 2014 season.

A group of 25 players jetted out of Melbourne on Saturday morning for a 15 day high intensity training camp at high altitude powered by Antler luggage.

The 23-year-old said he had noticed the benefits of the high altitude camp ten Bombers went on during the 2013 pre-season.

“We are looking forward to it, obviously conditions will be pretty tough but we think it will be a good camp,” Zaharakis said.

“Last year the guys felt the affects of it during the season which is a positive and hopefully we can have the same again this year.”

“I felt it all through pre-season and then it enabled you to build up an even stronger base during the pre-season to carry into the season.”

“During the season you more feel the effects of having a good long pre-season but during pre-season you feel like you can go that bit harder in January and February to build the base.”

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Zaharakis said the trip was likely to bring the group even closer together as they learn to deal with training in the altered conditions.

“We run the same schedule as we do in Melbourne but we add in a few hikes and a few other tough challenges along the way,” he said.

“We do a lot on leadership over there and that helps us come closer as a group.”

“It is quiet cold, it tests a few blokes out and there are a few laughs at the end of it but it is pretty hectic.”

The star midfielder said he was feeling good after the first fortnight of pre-season training.

“This time last year I had a full month of pre-season behind me plus Boulder so it is a bit different as this year we started three weeks later then last year and now we are just going to Boulder.”

“The body feels good and fitness wise once we come back from Boulder it will probably be just the same as it was last year which is good.”

Make sure you check back to essendonfc.com.au/boulder daily for constant updates from the club’s high altitude camp powered by Antler.

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