The young skier from Konnerud, Norway, went straight to the podium in the season premiere at Beitostølen, entering the discussion about the selection for the Ruka World Cup. Now, she made it.

In Saturday’s 10-kilometer classic race, only the super veterans skied faster than the 22-year-old from Norway: Margrethe Bergane finished third, just 23 seconds behind Heidi Weng, who delivered an outstanding classic race, and the World Championship queen Astrid Øyre Slind.

“I’m very satisfied. It’s the best I’ve ever skied here. I hoped to be at the top. I finished fifth here last year, so it’s fun that I managed to get even better now.”

Also Read: Heidi Weng superior at the Beitostølen classic race

On Sunday, Bergane followed up with a solid fifth place in the skate race, also a career-best for the season premiere at Beitostølen.

“I’ve felt that I’ve been in good shape. This confirms that my form has been good lately, and I felt that I executed my race plan quite well. So, those were good answers,” she modestly says to Langrenn.com.

Also Read: Astrid Øyre Slind winner at the Beitostølen freestyle race

“I hope that my form only gets better. I’ve usually been a bit better in classic than skating early in the season, but I hope that my skating form can be a bit better this year,” she says.

“Of course, I want to compete in the World Cup next weekend,” says Bergane, continuing:

“I think Ruka could suit me very well. I like 10 kilometers, and 20 kilometers is even better, and that’s what’s on the program there.”

After the Norwegian premiere, Bergane hoped that the national team management was sufficiently impressed with the opening weekend, and yesterday it was confirmed that Bergane made the Norwegian national team for the Ruka World Cup.

National team coach Sjur Ole Svarstad confirmed that he would select the six best women for each race in the World Cup opening.

Read More: Norway’s team for the Ruka World Cup

What do you consider your main strength?

“It’s definitely the endurance that I can endure working hard over time. I like long uphill stretches, to put it that way.”

Have you done anything different this year?

“I’ve increased the training volume a bit and really focused on poling. I had some work to do there, but I think I’ve taken some steps forward now, and I’m a bit better in the easy sections.”

However, the recipe is the same, says Bergane.

“I’ve done a lot of the same as before. I’ve trained a bit more, but otherwise, much of the same as I did before last season. It worked well then.”

Regarding this winter’s season goals, Bergane feels fortunate as a U23 skier in an otherwise championship-free season.

“It’s my last year as a U23 skier, so the U23 World Championships are a big goal this year. But I want to compete in as many World Cup races as possible,” she says, revealing that she also has big ambitions for the future.

“I really want to compete in the World Championships on home soil in 2025. But so do many others.”