After a solo victory for Astrid Øyre Slind, Team Koteng Eidissen and a superb sprint win for Emil Persson, Lager 157 Ski Team, let’s find out what the two great Pro skiers have to say about their victories in today’s Visma Ski Classics Orsa Grönklitt Individual Prologue.

ASTRID ØYRE SLIND – TEAM KOTENG EIDISSEN

Congratulations Astrid, you had a tough last season, but tell us about today’s race.

“This is the comeback I was looking for, feeling really strong, having fast skis. I think I did a good tactic race and everything was kind of going my way, so I’m really happy to be back.”

You talked about the tactics. Did you plan to do that move today?

“Yeah. It was quite windy today, so I think going too fast in the beginning wasn’t really a good plan, so I just tried to keep it cool and stay behind for four laps and when the uphill started I really wanted to be fresh and set a good pace there. It was a good plan, it worked.”

In January there will be a lot of races, how will you prepare?

“I will train, train a lot during Christmas and I guess when the races start in January I just need to relax in between the races and be as strong as I can in every race and the plan is the same for everyone, so, it’s not like a disadvantage or advantage to me, I just need to cope with it.

Congratulations on today and good luck with the training.

“Thank you!”

EMIL PERSSON – LAGER 157 SKI TEAM

Emil Persson, congratulations on your first place today.

“Thank you.”

How was it out there?

“It was hectic, a lot of people, it was a tight race. It was high speed all the way.

How about the wind? Did you feel it?

“Yes, sometimes in the uphill, it was a very hard headwind and then some places around the lake, it was coming and going, but it didn’t affect me so much.”

Ermil Vokuev was really strong today, didn’t he?

“Yes, he put the hammer down and just went for the Sprint and the Climbs and everything, he showed that he is strong this year too.”

But you were the fastest guy out there today, what are your plans for Christmas?

“Maybe just lay on the sofa and get some rest the first week and then train for the upcoming January race.”

Congratulations again!

“Thank you!”

You can read more about the Individual Prologue races here and here.
For the Visma Ski Classics Bib Competition Standings click here.