Remi Andresen of Norway had a tough start position in Saturday’s World Cup 30-kilometer mass start skate race in Ramsau, Austria. He was reasonably satisfied with his race and hopes to get more chances.
– I started all the way back in the twelfth row and that’s not a good start position. The conditions made it hard to pass. I stood completely still for about 45 seconds in the first uphill scratching my head. It was too narrow to pass, says Remi Andresen.
He started almost last among the 99 World Cup competitors and ended up as number 43 at the finish.
– I’m happy with my race and felt it went well considering the start position. I was mentally prepared that it would be hard to advance from starting that far behind, so my goal was to pass as many racers as possible. I felt that went well. I feel that I’m in good shape and am enjoying racing at the moment. It’s tough to race in the steep uphills in Ramsau. The new snow made for “corridor” type tracks making passing tough and costly.
His goal the entire season has been to participate in skate World Cup races. The goal remains the same and his next chance is in Nove Mesto in the middle of January.
He has both good and bad memories from Nove Mesto.
– I skied my best ever World Cup race there three years ago and placed 15th. Two years ago I fell on the ice before the race and broke my ankle. I hope that all good things are three, says Andresen.
