FasterSkier · December 23, 2006
Vegard Ulvang believes that Tour de Ski won’t be as extreme hard as many claim.
The old ski star â€The Terminator†Vegard Ulvang of Norway (1992 Olympic Champion) has played a central role in the planning process of the first ever Tour de Ski. He will also have a main role during the whole competition as the TD (Technical Delegate).
– What’s your reason for saying that?
– The athletes are well enough trained and are used to this type of racing. They will handle it well, says the former ski star.
He is excited to see how this many competitions in a short period, travel and other factors will affect everyone, but he doesn’t doubt that the skiers are fit enough to do it.
There are other factors that Ulvang is more curious about.
– It will be exciting to see how much tactical racing we’ll see. There are big deductions to gain from sprints and stage wins, so that will be important.
It has been two years since the idea for a Tour de Ski was first put on the table at FIS.
– There were many that felt that it was a good idea then, and it seems like even more like it now, says Ulvang.
He is greatly appreciating the huge interest from media and people inside the sport. He feels that there are two main factors that will make this a success.
Tour de Ski is bringing the cross country family together again. It will be a competition between sprinters and distance skiers. Distance skier Frode Estil will go up against sprinter Björn Lind on the same premises. And this will take place in a time where cross country skiing is divided in two sections — sprinters and distance skiers.
Cross Country skiing will be the main media focus for a long period — and not only for a weekend.
– This will be traveling circus, and we are all looking forward to it, says Ulvang.
Source: Langrenn.com
