Nordic World Cup: Stadlober aggressive at the end

“I’ve been working for that in the summer and all the years,” said the Salzburg native when asked by the APA. “My goal is to be on the podium, too.” The status of the best Central European in both races is still happy to take with me, but Stadlober’s claim is now greater. However, she knows how difficult the task is: “The first three have run in their own league in the distance races so far. Let’s see what is possible this time. ”

The 13-time world champion Johaug moved one step above Karlsson and Andersson in the competitions, and won each one superior. In view of the difficult route – Stadlober: “I don’t know whether I have already run such a difficult route on a 30cc” – the Radstadt resident does not expect Johaug to start fully. For them it is important to stay in the top group. “The Swedes would be some who could set the pace for me.”

She definitely wants to go along with any attack, provided she feels good. “If I notice that they want to tear away, and I have the strength to go with them, I’ll go with them.” Depending on the situation, she will keep it up with the permitted ski change. “If I notice that I can easily keep up, I have good speed and grip, I will certainly run a lap longer. There is a tendency for people to switch with the group, although a change in training can hardly be simulated.

Everything has to fit together for Stadlober

It is clear that everything has to fit together for another top position or even a medal. Many of their competitors also have the relay in their legs. In terms of the difficulty of the route and the shape, it should fit, in the classic style you feel comfortable. “The material and the snow conditions will certainly also be a big issue.” After extensive rain and sleet on Friday, the forecast for the race time is no precipitation with a few degrees of plus.

In her last 30 km race so far, Stadlober was 15th on March 7, 2020, almost exactly a year ago in the last race of the season in Oslo, and two years earlier she was ninth in free style. The 28-year-old was eighth in skating at the World Championships in 2017 and 2019, and ninth at the 2018 Olympics after her sensational route selection mistake in the classic technique. On Friday, she completed a training session in the stadium around race time, after which it was time to relax and fill up the memory.