Source: Langrenn.com
Veteran national team skier Hilde G. Pedersen crushed a strong field that included last weekend’s World Cup pursuit winner Kristin Stormer Steira and won by 19 seconds in the Norwegian 10-kilometer freestyle championship on Thursday. She left no doubt that she needs to be counted on as medal candidate at the upcoming Oberstdorf Worlds that starts in less than three weeks.
World Cup leader Marit Bjorgen did not race.
Pedersen (40) was not able to “put things together†before Christmas. She is now back in great shape .
– I have got many physical therapy treatment sessions by Kjersti Gundersen. She knows my muscles well and have worked incredibly hard and spent lots of time on me over Christmas. My back and leg muscles were almost destroyed by all the races before Christmas, says Hilde.
She continues to state that she is retiring after this season.
It’s absolutely over after this season, says Hilde.
She won her fifth Norwegian Championship on Thursday, 19.9 seconds ahead of Kristin Stœrmer Steira, and 47,9 ahead of Kristin M. Stemland in third.
– I’m ready to fight at Worlds now, and don’t feel that I need many adjustments. I’m racing four races in four days, and will depart for Seiser Alm next Tuesday. I’m feeling that I’m getting in shape and making progress, says Gjermundshaug.
She raced her first National Championship in 1983 and Nationals have always been a highlight.
– Nationals have always meant a lot and I have always focused towards this Championship. It’s always a big experience and I never consider skipping races at nationals. I might show up for future nationals as well, but not in the shape I’m in now, says the 40-year old.
Where would today’s race have placed you in World Cup race?
– I feel that I skied a good race without weak sections or parts. High frequency and solid skiing the entire way. It’s only guessing what this would have been in a World Cup race, but maybe on the podium. I felt that I skied better than in Nove Mesto where I was fifth, says Hilde.
Full results: http://langrenn.com/cparticle201430-1743.html
