Heidi Weng was the closest competitor to Therese Johaug in what was the Norwegian traditional cross-country skiing star’s first race after deciding to make a comeback ahead of the World Championships in Trondheim.

Therese Johaug has been absent from the World Cup circuit for two years. But on Saturday, she returned as if she’d never been away: dominating her competitors.

Nearly 40 seconds separated Johaug from Heidi Weng in second place after one of Weng’s best performances in the 10-kilometer classic race at the Beitostølen Premiere.

Also Read: Johaug reigns supreme at Beitostølen 10km classic

“The gap was smaller than it usually is at Beitostølen, but maybe larger than I expected because honestly, I didn’t think she looked that sharp this fall,” Weng told ProXCskiing.com’s sister site Langrenn.com after crossing the finish line.

“I’ll savor the fact that I’ve beaten her”

This fall, Weng actually managed to beat Johaug — albeit in training — but she still considers it an achievement.

“I’ll savor the fact that I’ve beaten her in uphill intervals. It’s historic, and I’ll live off that for the rest of my life,” Weng said confidently.

Did you think you’d be closer to her today?

“Not close. But I thought maybe I’d be a little closer than I was today,” Weng admitted.

However, she already knows where her weaknesses lie.

“She’s incredibly good at maintaining her pace all the way through. That’s her strength. I guess I’ll let her win a bit here at the start and then step it up later,” Weng explained.

“I lose a lot of time in the same spots I usually do here at Beitostølen — out in the horseshoe section after the long climb. She’s incredibly good at keeping her pace, whereas I prefer courses with more rest sections where you can recover and then push forward. So, I’m very happy that this day is over,” Weng added with a smile.

“I guess I’ll let her win a bit at the start.”

Next week, both Weng and Johaug will head to the World Cup premiere in Ruka, from November 29 to December 1. There, they’ll face a different type of course and a concluding event Weng is excited about, a 20-kilometer freestyle pursuit.

Read More: 2024/2025 cross-country skiing World Cup calendar

Facts Beitostølen Premiere

• When: Friday, November 22 to Sunday, November 24
• Who: Senior traditional cross-country skiers – women and men
• Where: Beitostølen, Norway
• What: Beitostølen Premiere

Friday, November 22, 2024 – Sprint 1.3km C (More information can be found HERE)

• Sprint Qualification Men, 11:42 CET
• Sprint Qualification Women, 12:08 CET
• Sprint Final Men, 13:30 CET
• Sprint Final Women, 13:30 CET  

Also Read
Klæbo winner at Beitostølen sprint
Appelkvist Stenseth winner at Beitostølen sprint

Saturday, November 23, 2024 – 10km C (More information can be found HERE)

• 10km Classic Women, 9:47 CET
• 10km Classic Men, 11:15 CET

Also Read
Johaug reigns supreme at Beitostølen 10km classic
Klæbo wins again in Beitostølen

Sunday, November 24, 2024 – 10km F (More information can be found HERE)

• 10km Freestyle Women, 11:30 CET
• 10km Freestyle Men, 12:55 CET

Start Lists can be found HERE for women and HERE for men.

Are you interested in traditional cross-country skiing? Click HERE and read more about it.