Kristen Skjeldal was kicked off the Norwegian national team ahead of last season. He is now back (on the team) after a fantastic season. Skjeldal believes that the year outside the national team made him do more of what he believes in himself (as opposed to what he felt he should do for training). He was curious going into last season how he would handle loosing his national team spot and support.
– I was curious to what would happen, but it turned out to be a fantastic year. I joined Sirdal Ski (a semi-pro team) and that was very, very good. Several personal sponsors also helped me economically. It was overall very inspiring, says Skjeldal.
 when he skied well in the season premiere.</p>
<p><B>Inspired by the biathlon skiers</B><br />
Kristen has been among the international elite for years. He has despite this no problems finding motivational factors.<br />
– Cross country skiing has become a lifestyle and I enjoy it a very much. It’s based upon a true joy of competing, at the same time as I enjoy working out in the forest and in the mountains. The camaraderie is also a factor; many of my best friends are cross country skiers. I’m also born with a competitive instinct, I like to compete. The competitive spirit has grown even more as a result of the biathlon skiers also competing in regular cross country ski races.</p>
<p>– The biathlon skiers have become an extra carrot. Lars Berger is very good and even if it wasn’t an important race, it was still fun to beat them in (the season’s last race) Skarverennet. </p>
<p><B>Build upon the experience</B><br />
Kristen has not yet made a clear plan for the upcoming season. First he want to look at what he did last season and the 2002 Olympic season, which was his best before this season, before he makes the final “war-plan”. The focus is however simple – ski as fast as possible.</p>
<p>– I have to focus on what makes me ski as fast as possible. I don’t need to focus on building a base, I have to harvest from what I have trained before, says Skjeldal which is planning on continuing his focus on both skating and classic. He is shooting for the double pursuit at the Worlds as one of next seasons highlights.</p>
<p><B>Getting married</B><br />
Other things than training is high on the priority list these days. He is getting married May 22. Kristen is comparing this to the same as preparing for a race.</p>
<p>– It’s like preparing for a 50-kilometer race. I’m excited, but also nervous. But I’m ready for a lifelong race with Solrun, says a very happy Kristen Skjeldal</p>
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