Source: Langenn.com
Hilde Gjermundshaug Pedersen crushed Marit Bjrgen in the tough courses at the Norwegian 7.5 + 7.5- kilometer pursuit championship on Saturday and cruised to her second championship in three days
![](http://images.fasterskier.com/oldsitearchive/upload/050201image001-5.jpg width=440 height=351.16981132075 border=1><br />
<BR><font size=1 face=verdana>Hilde Gjermundshaug was untouchable in the double pursuit. Marit Bjrgen captured silver and Kristin Mürer Stemland bronze. Photo: Stian Hgland</font></center><BR></p>
<p>Hilde G. Pedersen picked up the pace and split up the field already in the first uphill in Saturday’s 15-kilometer pursuit race. Only Marit Bjorgen was able to hang on. Kristin Murer Stemland also got contact halfway in the classic portion, but Gjermundshaug accelerated at that point and dropped both Bjorgen and Stemland.</p>
<p>– I started hard and felt that on the last classic lap. I felt that I skied a controlled race and wanted to race hard in order to drop part of the competition, says Gjermundshaug Pedersen</p>
<p>Marit Bjrgen tried to take the lead on the first lap to slow down the pace, but was soon dropped by Pedersen.</p>
<p> – I didn’t really like to ski in front and was happy when Marit took the lead, but went back to the front when I felt that she wasn’t skiing fast enough.</p>
<p>-I couldn’t believe it when I was able to drop Marit. First I thought that she must have fallen, but then decided that I had to trust myself and race hard, says Gjermundshaug Pedersen</p>
<p> She had planned to race all four races at Nationals, but decided after winning gold in the 10-k skate on Thursday to skip yesterday’s sprint.</p>
<p>– That wasn’t a good course for me (too flat) and it was a little tactical to save my energy for today’s pursuit. I’m still getting in a nice intensity block with three races in four days.</p>
<p> Worlds start in a little more than two weeks, but she is not sure how many races she will race yet.</p>
<p> – There are many races, but I’m mentally prepared for that. It will be decided right before Worlds. Five races look ideal at this point. I want to race the 30-kilometer classic. The 10-kilometer and the classic sprint are my weakest events, but I want to race the 10-kilometer skate race if I’m feeling good, says Gjermundshaug.</p>
<p> She is leaving for Seiser Alm along with the rest of the team on Tuesday.</p>
<p>– I could just as well have stayed at home. I have never felt a positive effect from altitude training. I’m scared of getting sick, but the team it’s a closed environment and it’s easier to get sick at home</p>
<p> The goal is to win gold at Worlds.</p>
<p>– It doesn’t matter if it’s in a relay or individual. But it would be great to win individual, says Gjermundshaug with a smile.</p>
<p> She is racing Sunday’s relay with her twin daughters Ida and Eli.</p>
<p> – They have said that we are racing for a top ten, and I’m diplomatic and support that goal.</p>
<p>RESULTS: <a href=http://langrenn.com/cparticle201764-1743.html)
![](http://images.fasterskier.com/oldsitearchive/upload/050201image002.jpg width=440 height=389.15555555556 border=1><br />
<BR><font size=1 face=verdana>Hilde G. Pedersen</font></center><BR></p>
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