Source: Langrenn.com
Espen Harald Bjerke was kicked of the Norwegian National team after last season but placed 4th in last weekend’s 15-kilometer classic World Cup race in Otepaa. He didn’t get serious about ski racing before in high school, but it was no coincidence that he became a cross country ski racer.
 at Lillehammer and enjoyed that a great deal. The atmosphere was very good and I quickly progressed. My best result before I started there was a 32nd place in the national championship for 15-year olds. I improved to second and fourth at nationals. I didn’t even skate before I started at NTG and made lots of progress the first season. I feel comfortable that I can do well in both skate and classic now, says the 24-year old.</p>
<p>Â He had a bad season last year and lost his spot on the national team.</p>
<p>– Last year was not as I had hoped for, but you grow when things are not going your way as well. I’m enjoying being on the development team a great deal. It’s a nice bunch of skiers. I almost enjoy being on this team more that being on the elite team. There are more skiers there with a similar mind-set and at the same age as myself.</p>
<p>Â He is following his World Cup 4th place in Otepaa last weekend suddenly a candidate for a spot on the World Championship team.</p>
<p>Â – It was great to get confirmed in Otepaa that I can ski fast. I hadn’t expected that I would do that well. The training is paying off. I wanted to show myself from a different side following last year’s miserable season. I think it’s easiest to get on the duathlon/pursuit team for Worlds next month, but I still have to ski fast to be selected. I don’t believe that last weekend’s 4th place is enough to make the team. I have to ski fast at the Norwegian nationals as well. I had before the season started a dream about making the World’s team and to ski one event, and that is still the goal, says Bjerke.</p>
<p>World Cup 15-kilometer freestyle is on the agenda this weekend in Nove Mesto.</p>
<p>Â – I don’t believe in another 4th place this weekend, but a top 15 would be great. I’m a little insecure regarding how fast I can skate, says Espen Harald Bjerke.<BR><center><img decoding=)
