Source: Langrenn.com
Biathlon skier Lars Berger was by many considered a big favorite to win the Norwegian 15-kilometer championship on Thursday. He started very fast and built a lead, but couldn’t hold on to the end.
Biathlon Skier Berger: I Need To Practice More In Long Uphills
FasterSkier · January 27, 2005
– I didn’t ski a great race. I felt good and had good skis, and thought that I would have a good day. The uphills were longer than what I’m used to from biathlon. I’m used to short fast uphills. This is something I need to improve and work on before Worlds. I was leading by 17 seconds, but that shrunk to zero and worse, says Lars Berger.
His third place probably secured a spot on the Oberstdorf Worlds team.
– I’m not planning on racing in the Reit im Vinkl World Cup races right before Worlds. I’m now going up to altitude and will train and do a few races there before I go down to sea level again to do the last preparations before Worlds. That’s the plan the coach thinks is the best, says Berger.
He could feel all the races he has done lately at the end of today’s race.
– I have felt good in this period, but can feel that I have done eight races in a short time frame. Especially the last ones at altitude. But I’m happy with bronze, said Berger.