Johan Kjolstad (21) of Norway got his international break-through by placing third in last Saturday’s World Cup freestyle sprint in Bern. – This was way beyond my expectations, said Johan after the race.Â
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. That’s when the show starts, says Kjolstad.</p>
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<p>It was very tight between the 21-year old and Christian Zorsi of Italy in the quarterfinal.</p>
<p> The jury had to decide by viewing the finish photos and Kjolstad advanced.</p>
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<p>– I had no real plan ahead of the quarterfinal, and only tried to hang on to Zorsi and Svartedal and Eigenman. I was lucky and had the small margins on my side, because it was very close with Zorsi, said Johan.</p>
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<p>Jens Arne Svartedal, Tor Arne Hetland and Bjorn Lind of Sweden were his competition in the semifinal. This was a very close race as well. Kjolstad ended up in third, but Lind was disqualified and Kjolstad advanced once again, this time to the final.</p>
<p>– I tried to take the lead. I made that relatively easy. I tried to control the pace in order to save something for the finish sprint. Lind was a bit on the nasty side and pushed me hard. I was barely able to avoid falling. That made the finish sprint a bit stressed and I ended up as number three. The jury had seen what happened and Lind was disqualified. The whole thing was a bit (too) rough, said Kjolstad.</p>
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<p>There were three Norwegians against one lone Swede, Thobias Fredriksson in the final. Kjolstad and Borre Naess got the responsibility of setting the pace and help Hetland that the leaders meant had the biggest chance of winning. That went well and ended with victory for Hetland, while Kjolstad got his international break-through with third place.</p>
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<p>– It was a big bonus making the finale and then making the podium. I have won gold at junior Worlds, but this was a step above. It was against all the best skiers in the World. I was incredibly excited when I entered the podium, said Kjolstad who skipped next day’s sprint relay.</p>
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<p>Third place also means something economically for the student.</p>
<p>– Yes, a bit. I haven’t calculated exactly how much. Some disappears in taxes, but its regardless, money that I can truly use. I have expenses doing this so it’s nice too occasionally make some money, says the talented sprinter. </p>
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<p>Kjolstad doesn’t think he will be selected to race the classic sprint in Asiago this weekend.</p>
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<p>– Those skiers a pre-selected. It’s the sprint team plus Jens Arne Svartedal and Odd Bjorn Hjelmeset that will race. I might race if someone is sick, says Kjolstad.</p>
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<p>He believes it will be hard to qualify for the sprint at Worlds.</p>
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<p>— The sprint at Worlds is in classic style and I have done better in freestyle so far. I have to show strength at the Norwegian championship, but I think that most of the team is pre-selected. I’m not thinking much about Worlds, but it would be a big bonus to be selected.</p>
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International Sprint Break-Through For Kjolstad
FasterSkierDecember 10, 2004
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