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Therese Johaug (NOR)

„I am proud of myself today because it was a hard race with all the snow that was falling. I am happy to be in the first place but also that Heidi and Ingvild is with me on the podium. With all the snow that was falling it was tough but that is part of the game.

I am looking forward to come to Åre and see how the sprint is there as we have heard a lot about it.“

 

Heidi Weng (NOR)

„I am looking forward to come to Trondheim and the spectators. I feel better and better and took it step by step so I am really happy now.“

 

Ingvild Flugstad Østberg (NOR)

„(Going with the train) is a new way of going to the competitions so I am looking forward to try this out. I am looking forward to see the the course in Åre.

Sprint skating has been my worst competition this season but I hope to qualify and make the last part of the race so we will see if it fits the sprinters or allrounders best.“

 

Paal Golberg (NOR)

„I knew it was going to be a tough race but my shape today was really good. I thought that the most important today was to keep a steady pace and not to let the others to go into my game."

 

Alexander Bolshunov (RUS)

„For sure I would have been 100% happy if I would have won today. It was a good start of the tour and there are still some competitions ahead with the main race in Trondheim where it will be most important to be in the lead.

Yesterday I wished to do more but todays race was much more important. There was not much tactical work in todays race but a high speed from the beginning. I have no expectations yet from the sprint because I never raced such a course.“

 

Martin Loewstroem Nyenget (NOR)

„It was a tough race. I closed the gap to the leaders a little faster than I had hoped for. In the finish I tried to be first or second in the last hill where Bolshunov passed me.

When I closed the gap to Paal and Bolshunov I was a bit tired and stayed behind to get ready for the last sprint. I see this programme of the tour will fit me well. I have done some training the past weeks to prepare for the tour.

For us Norwegians it is hard to just get into this team so I was hoping to get a spot. The sprint in Åre will surely be something different so we are excited to see the tour.“

 

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Photo : Nordic Focus

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