Thus, Johaug fulfilled the favorite stamp, and she confirmed that she will be a name to be reckoned with in the comeback and WC season.
– I am very satisfied with today’s race. I felt that I was able to calm down a bit and create power. But I still feel that you can take even a little more time, she told NRK right after the race.
In front of the opening chutes, Johaug said that she had to pull on the emergency brake and reduce the amount of training in the run-up. On Saturday, she got the answer that she has done something right.
– I feel that I have become stronger in my upper body and in my body in general, and that I am able to create power, she explained.
Convinced
The 36-year-old mother of young children from Dalsbygda dominated the race and led superbly when she crossed the finish line. The closest to chastising her was Heidi Weng, who finished 39.6 seconds behind her team-mate in a record-breaking starting field at Beitostølen.
– At least I got out. There were two stiff thighs at the top of the last hill. It was very, very fun to go skiing again and get what you had, said Johaug.
Before the start, she reported that she was both nervous and nauseous. She took it easy in the opening, but quickly picked up speed on the classic course at Beitostølen. At the 2.6 kilometer mark, she was 3.7 seconds ahead of Weng.
– I think it looks frighteningly good, commented NRK expert Martin Johnsrud Sundby about Johaug at the time.
– So much better
Just 500 meters later, Johaug had increased Weng’s lead by 5.7 seconds. And from there on she completely knocked out the challengers. At the 6.3 kilometer mark, she was 17 seconds ahead of Weng, and the distance continued to increase significantly.
– I think Heidi is doing well. She solves it in a good way, she seems to hit the top of the hill here. It’s just that Therese Johaug is so much better, said NRK expert Fredrik Aukland.
In the end, Weng finished with a fairly clear 2nd place. Three was the in-form Kristin Austgulen Fosnæs, beaten by a further 16.6 seconds.
– I’m actually a little surprised that I managed to come second here. I can’t wait to skate tomorrow, that’s kind of been my thing now. I have never been so close to Therese at Beitostølen before, Weng told NRK.
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