Fasterskier.com recently posted an article about Norwegian distance skier Odd-Bjorn Hjelmeset that wants to win “The Double” – the sprint and the 50 kilometer at next year’s Worlds in Oberstdorf, Germany. World-class sprinter Jens Arne Svartedal captured third place in the overall World Cup last season has the very same dream and goals.
Svartedal had a very good season last winter. He has always been World-class in the classic style sprint, but took a big step forward last season with podium finishes in both skate sprints and long races. The season was “crowned” with a third place in the overall World Cup. He believes the progress is a result of minimum pressure and patience.
. I believe that skiing faster in the longer distances is the result of a natural development. I’m older and have been given a chance to train well for many years. My capacity has gradually improved and better results comes from this, says Svartedal</p>
<p>Svartedal is currently “building his base” for the upcoming season. He has, as his friend and national team colleague Odd Bjorn Hjelmeset chosen to target the sprint and the 50-kilometer as next season’s big goals. The training is therefore aimed toward the two most opposite events at the Championship.</p>
<p>– I’m going to train lots of max and short, and long and easier. I’m pulling the training towards both opposite ends, says Jens Arne. </p>
<p>He is despite this not afraid of giving the training a big sprint focus.<br />
– I have up to this point not really trained especially for the sprint, and those seasons I have trained and focused more on the sprint have been my worst and really bad.</p>
<p>World Championships are the main goal, but he is not going to forget about the overall World Cup. Fewer sprint races will count toward the overall World Cup title next season, and you would think that was a disadvantage for Svartedal, but he is choosing to look at it the opposite way.</p>
<p>– I believe that next years schedule is positive for me. It’s a guarantee that I will fail in a few sprint races, and having a couple of events that’s not counting for points is good. I’m also planning on skipping some of the events where I have little chance to capture points in, says Svartedal.</p>
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