Before this season, a sixth place was Moa Ilar’s main individual achievement in the World Cup and in the eyes of the public, the 26-year-old might not have stepped forward as a given contender for podium places this winter.
That is, unless you followed her closely during the pre-season.
– This summer and autumn she has been very strong. Those of us who have been close to her have seen it coming. It’s great fun that she’s getting it out in competition now too, because it’s a completely different thing, says Tour de Ski winner and multiple Olympic and World Cup medalist Frida Karlsson.
The double world champion from last winter, Ebba Andersson, can only agree:
– She has taken huge steps this season – huge steps.
– But it is not at all surprising. I have been training with Moa during the year and she has shown strength even then.
Both Frida Karlsson, left, and Ebba Andersson, right, have closely watched Moa Ilar take great strides in her development during the year. Photo: Ulf Palm/TT
Was this just a matter of time?
– Yes, maybe a little. Then I think that she herself and us other girls in the team are still a little surprised that it was a World Cup victory already as a first podium place – that she thunders with it at once. But that doesn’t make it any less fun, says Ebba Andersson.
Yes, because already in the season first world cup weekend came the day she had been waiting for ever since the international debut in 2019.
After finishing fourth in the 10 kilometer classic – which was only a new personal best – no one was better in the two-mile mass start the next day. The closest was a bloodied Jessie Diggins who, in a tough race to say the least, was three tenths of a second behind Ilar.
The success was followed up with a third place in the 10 kilometer race in Gällivare last weekend when there was also a Swedish victory in the relay.
– I’ve been waiting for this and have always believed and hoped that I would become a podium finisher, but I didn’t really get to show it. So then it feels extra nice to be able to show it now, says Moa Ilar on site in Östersund – where she is aiming for a new top position in Sunday’s 10 kilometer freestyle.
Moa Ilar during Saturday’s sprint qualifying in Östersund. Photo: Johan Axelsson/Bildbyrån
Or?
– This weekend is difficult, she admits and continues:
– I want a lot, but I feel that the course might not suit me completely. There is a lot of gear two (diagonal skiing on a slight uphill). Admittedly short slopes and a lot of rest in between, and that’s good for me. But otherwise it’s a lot of second gear and that’s not my strong point. But I will do my best.
Regardless of the outcome, all that can be said is that Moa Ilar has already broken barriers this winter.
– It’s fun when things go the way you want them to. Then you enjoy. A really great start to the season, she says.
What is the secret?
– You want to give a super spectacular answer to that question, says Moa Ilar and laughs.
– But it has mostly just flowed very well with the training all summer. I’ve had maybe five or seven sick days since last season ended, so it’s been a very nice continuity throughout the training year. I feel that I have stepped up and become even better in the technical details. I have found peace and security in my skiing.
With yardsticks like Ebba Andersson and Frida Karlson in the team, she has received indications during the year that something big was afoot.
– This is what you strive for and work for every day. But I have felt this year that I have had a lift, got closer in training and had nice camps and sessions with the others in the team. Then you didn’t know how well it would do at the World Cup.
“I feel that I have taken steps and become even better in the technical details,” says Moa Ilar. Photo: Anders Wiklund/TT
Have you had time to get used to the fact that you have reached another level?
– I would still say that I have my feet on the ground. It is important to be humble in the face of the fact that each race is completely new and has new conditions. Things change quickly in this sport, so you have to keep that in mind and not be too much in the blue.
Still, were you perhaps a little disappointed with the third place in 10 kilometers in Gällivare (2.5 seconds behind the runner-up Ebba Andersson)?
– Yes, so, coming third at the World Cup is great, great. But I didn’t have that last extra gear like before. I was very happy, but it is clear that you always want to win. You are a competitive person.
2023-12-10 05:10:00
#Moa #Ilar #top #world #Waited #long #time
