Tour de Ski: Norway’s cross country sportchief, Ã…ge Skinstad had to again answer questions from the Norwegian media after the pursuit race regarding the quality of the Norwegian skiers skis (kick and glide). He is now tired of the focus on bad skis.
 – many of the Norwegian skiers disappointed in Tuesday’s pursuit race and Norwegian journalists were quick to ask if it was caused by another wax miss.</p>
<p>Lack of knowledge<br />
But Skinstad is tired of the journalist focus on skis every time the Norwegian skiers are not living up to the expectations. </p>
<p>– Today’s conditions were extremely changing and difficult. This quickly affects the skis and the differences and margins are small, but Norwegian commentators and journalists are not able comprehend this, said Skinstad.</p>
<p>He is of the opinion that this is simply lack of knowledge.</p>
<p>– It’s not hard to understand that [the journalists] could take the time to learn about this and have more knowledge, says the sportchief. </p>
<p>He is despite this not willing to say that all the Norwegian skiers had super-skis. There were variations. And Skinstad admits that skiers like Hjelmset, Hetland and Northug didn’t have good enough kick in the classic part of the pursuit. </p>
<p>Good team results<br />
But the sportchief was (still) happy after the second stage of Tour de Ski.</p>
<p>– We are doing well. We have the Tour leader in both the women and the men’s category and Marit Bjœrgen is in second place. We are very happy with the women’s team results, especially with Kristin Stœrmer Steira, says Skinstad.</p>
<p>But the rest of the women, with the exception of Bjœrgen, also get “approved†from the boss.</p>
<p>– Marit will probably not sprint for bonus seconds anymore in this Tour, says Skinstad.</p>
<p>Bjœrgen hit the wall after racing hard up a hill fighting for bonus seconds and ended up all the way down in 25th place at the finish.</p>
<p>Not as good for the men<br />
He says that Petter Northug and Tor Arne Hetland’s performances were OK, but was very disappointed in Jens Arne Svartedal race — he should be higher up on the list. Estil and Hjelmeset raced where he expected, but had hoped that Estil would have been a little higher up.</p>
<p>How about (World Cup leader) Eldar Rœnning?</p>
<p>– It looks like he is in a little downturn, but he skied OK in the classic part, said Skinstad.</p>
<p>– Simen Østensen is nothing but impressive…</p>
<p>Source: Langrenn.com</p>
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