Ida Dahl, Team Engcon, finished sixth at Tjejvasan after a few troubled weeks since Engadin La Diagonela at the end of January. Now she is looking forward to Vasaloppet on Sunday.

Ida Dahl had not competed since Engadin La Diagonela but was again on the start line for Tjejvasan. She finished in sixth place and felt the race’s effects in the following days.

“It was a very tough race for me, but I felt I could push what I had for the day. I was sore on Sunday. My body was not used to that effort, but it was a very good race for me,” says Ida Dahl to Langd.se.

How have you trained your last week, and how has it felt? 

“I think it feels good. Recently, I have trained in longer, easier sessions and some intervals. I feel like I have done what I can to be in as good shape as possible.”

On Sunday, it is time for many of the skiers’ big goals for the season, Vasaloppet. Ida has her sights set on victory.

“The goal is to win, of course. But I know achieving that this year will be very tough, but it is my main goal,” she says.

“Try to keep up with the guys” 

Vasaloppet is a different race for the women because they start together with the men. Therefore, Ida believes there will be no special tactics.

“For us girls, there will be no special tactics. You just have to try to keep up with the guys. It will be really tough from start to finish,” she says.

The weather forecast at this moment shows rain on the morning of Vasaloppet. But Ida does not think it will affect the race much.

“If it is not a fast race but long and tough, it usually suits me well. I have not thought much about it,” she concludes.

Also Read: Vasaloppet celebrates its 100th edition this weekend in Sweden