Jens explained his 15k skate race:
After the German team had a very good and trouble free last preparation in Toblach (Italy) for the upcoming worlds in Obersdorf (Germany), the last World Cup in Reit im Winkl was a final test.
“The conditions for the 15k skate race were tough in soft slow snow. I was highly motivated and went into the race with the goal of a top 15 result. My plan was to build the self-confidence I need for the upcoming worlds at home. We had to ski three 5k laps. I struggeled on the first two laps with my poles. As of the very soft snow the pushes with my poles were not very effective and I could not gain the speed from uper body then I wanted. I had a hard time to go hard during the first part of the race and was already expecting the Italien Giorgio di Centa, who started right behind me, to catch me so that I could try to stick with him. As expected he caught me with 4k to go on the last lap. I was able to draft behind him. When I heard that he was fighting for the podium, I knew that I’m also racing pretty well. We worked very well together. He setthe pace and in the downhills I pushed him forward. At the finish Giorgio got on the podium as second and I ended up very well as 11th!
I think with this result I can travel with enough self confidence to the worlds in Obersdorf and I’m looking forward to my first start over 15k skate!â€
Right on Jens. Good luck at the worlds in a few days.
[translated from www.xc-ski.de on 02/14/05]
