Sweden’s William Poromaa had a subpar performance in Falun last weekend, but he hopes to be part of the fight at the top of the Birkebeinerrennet on Saturday.

“I aim high, of course. It would be fun to go all the way,” says Poromaa, who will race for the Swedish Exsitec Ski Team.

The World Cup season ended prematurely, and William Poromaa seemed a little tired after the 15-kilometer race in Falun last weekend, after a series of top performances in the World Cup after the Olympics.

However, there was no time for any rest. Already on Saturday, the 21-year-old challenges the Pro Tour skiers and several other World Cup athletes in the 54-kilometer-long Birkenbeinerrennet. After that, there will be the Swedish Championships in Piteå, and more races in the Visma Ski Classics are also in the plan for the spring.

Was it possible to rest after the weekend in Falun? Are you ready to cross through the mountains in Norway?

“Yes. I have taken it very calmly, and now it feels pretty good. I’m quite tired, but it’s going to be exciting to see how it goes,” says Poromaa.

Have you had time for any form of more extended double poling training?

“No, I have had no time to ski so many long workouts. The last time I skied a little longer was on the pre-camp before the Olympics, which was a while ago.”

Do you think your top form remains now with a few days of rest?

“It is hard to say. It was quite a lot of competitions.”

What memories do you have from last spring when you raced at Vålådalsrennet?

“It was a tough course there with many ups and downs. I learned that I can manage to keep up on such a tough course with just double poling, and I am stronger now than before.”

What are your goals for Birken?

“Hard to say, but I aim high, of course. It would be fun to go all the way.”

Why did you choose Exsitec Ski Team?

“I have a club friend, Konrad (Mattsson Myhr), who skis for the team. That’s how Niclas (Hägglund, team manager) got in touch with me long ago. After that, it has been on ice. I said we would talk after the Olympics, but I have not heard anything from any other team. There has been a bit of talk, but I felt it would be fun to ski with Exsitec.”

After the Swedish Championship week in Piteå, William aims to start at another race in Visma Ski Classics this spring.

“The idea is Reistadløpet (April 2). That is the race I look forward to the most, and I think I can go well. That course should suit me well,” Poromaa says about the hilly course over 50km between Setermoen and Bardufoss in northern Norway.

A celebrated starting field is confirmed for Birkebeinerrennet. 

BIRKEBEINERRENNET 

• Date: Saturday, March 19
• Place: Rena-Lillehammer, Norway
• Distance: 54km Classic Technique
• Start Times: 7:45 CET Men / 8:00 CET Women

Next up in the Visma Ski Classics is Birkebeinerrennet. The 54-kilometer classic race takes place in Norway on March 19, 2022.

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