Source: Langrenn.com
Norwegian Kristen Skjeldal was in high spirits after his third place finish in the 30-kilometer World Cup pursuit race in Pragelato on Saturday.
-It tasted very very good. It was amazingly fun, said Skjeldal after the race.
He came into the ski switch in second place. Frode Estil pushed hard from the start and spread out the field. Towards the end of the first 15km he started to tire and began to get passed.
-It became a test of manhood. It was great to be in the top field for the classic portion, even though Veerpalu was too strong at the end. The conditions changed drastically before the skate portion and there ended up being an amazing amount of suction. I was so tired after the first lap that I didn’t think I could hold on. Luckily it was heavy for everyone else too, says the ecstatic Skjeldal.
He admits that he needed this result.
-Before the race I thought that if I did well here I could take it easier at the Norwegian Championships, says the skier.
Frode Estil was the next best Norwegian at 12th place. Espen Harald Bjerke was number 17. Tore Ruud Hofstad was 21st and Tore Bjonviken was 49th.
