(Source: langrenn.com, translated by Patrick Stinson November 2, 2009. Original Source: NRK)
Alsgaard better than in six years
Former Norwegian ski king Thomas Alsgaard shared a room with Hjelmeset during the [Norwegian] National Team training camp in Val Senales.
“I have missed being in good shape and knowing that my body is really capable,” Alsgaard said to [Norwegian TV station] NRK.
Alsgaard has decided to concentrate fully for two years to win the Vasaloppet. That’s why he has decided to train with the National Team in Italy on his own dime.
“Here I’ll get a good matching [with the current team members] and training so that I can get in shape as fast as possible,” says Alsgaard.
Sharing experiences with the young boys
Several of the other national team members were young boys when Alsgaard hung up his skis, but they think it’s nice to train with the veteran racer.
“He definitely has a lot of experience and performed really well at one time in the past, so that’s a good dude to have along with you,” says Petter Northug Jr.
Odd-Bjørn Hjelmeset especially values having an old colleague back on the team.
“It’s fun to share a room with Thomas again so we can lay in bed and talk about how bad the younger guys are,” Hjelmeset adds jokingly.
“My fitness is not anywhere near as good as when I was at my best, but it is definitely better that what I have had over the last six years. This is really nice to see,” says Alsgaard.
Click here for the original article. (Norwegian warning applies)
