Jens Arne Svartedal of Norway can look back at a great season, but is despite this not happy that his distance-shape failed so miserably. — I didn’t respond well to the signals, says Svartedal.
Svartedal Has Learned From His Distance Failures
FasterSkier · April 9, 2007
He has, after evaluating the season, figured out what he believes went wrong in his quest for winning the overall World Cup.
– I was probably not structured enough, admits Svartedal.
He has realized that he isn’t 22 years old anymore, but has passed 30. And for that reason he needs longer recovery time. He didn’t listen to those signals and has therefore often been tired.
– It sounds like a beginner’s mistake, but it isn’t that simple when you are right in the middle of it.
Has to turn around the downtrend
He won the Norwegian 50 kilometer championship last week, and with that showed that he can be a podium candidate also in the long distance events when he is in shape. And it’s with that knowledge and confidence he wants to continue to aim for all around racing also next season. The dream is still to win the overall World Cup.
– It’s easy to say in retrospect that I shouldn’t have skied Tour de Ski and the 15 kilometer Kuusamo when I was very tired, but you always learn as you go along, says Svartedal.
The Norwegian 50 kilometer championship race was one of his best races this season, and that was good at the tail-end of the season. He can now lower his shoulders when he starts preparing for next season.
– I skied myself off the distance team this season. That’s a down-trend I have to turn around.
Source: Langrenn.com