Sofie Elebro, Team Eksjöhus, has successfully started the Ski Classics Season XV. During last weekend’s competitions in La Venosta, she got to step onto the podium for the first time in her career when she finished third at La Venosta Criterium.

Team Eksjöhus athlete Sofie Elebro has impressed at the beginning of the Ski Classics Season XV. It started well in Bad Gastein, where she secured a fifth-place finish but was in contention for the third-place finish all the way to the finish line.

“I thought it was good already when I finished fifth in Bad Gastein, but I was still so close that it was a bit disappointing,” says Sofie Elebro to Langd.se.

Secured the third place

Then, when it was time for the competitions in La Venosta, she took the step onto the podium for the first time in her career at La Venosta Criterium. After a strong finish, where Sofie break away from her competitors, she crossed the finish line in third place.

“We were three of us left in the group before the final stretch, and the move felt good. I had decided to try to break away from them,” she says and continues:

“At first, I didn’t understand what was happening, and I just screamed out. Then I had to lie down, and when my teammates, Kati and Frida, crossed the finish line, we celebrated together. But of course, it felt very exciting,” she says.

Read More: Fleten and Nygaard winners of La Venosta Criterium Season XV

A troubled start to the race

The race didn’t go entirely as planned initially. After just a few kilometers, she was involved in a crash.

“After three kilometers, several of us crashed. I flew straight ahead and landed on my stomach, but I quickly realized I wasn’t hurt and that my equipment was fine. Frida and Kati had opened a gap, but I just had to try to catch up. I tried not to rush and get into it,” she explains.

How do you feel a few days after the race?

“It still feels very exciting but also like a relief. I’ve been doing this for many years now, and it’s nice to know that I have the capacity. I’ve been thinking that if I can put everything together, it can be enough for the podium. It feels like it was good for my confidence too.”

What do you think has made you take the final step now?

“I think the main reason is that I’ve had a very good summer with the team and Marthe (Kristoffersen). We’ve had a big focus on technique and made some changes in strength training. All the pieces fell into place. Plus, I’ve stayed healthy and injury-free.”

What’s ahead for you?

“There will be a training block over Christmas and New Year before we go to Lavazè on January 4th to prepare at altitude for the upcoming races.”

Team Eksjöhus had a successful weekend, and besides Sofie’s third place, Kati Roivas and Axel Jutterström also secured podium finishes.

“It’s great that the whole team performed well, and we really had excellent skis,” Sofie concludes.

Watch Here: La Venosta Criterium Season XV – Video highlights and winners interviews