OBERSTDORF (VG) Tiril Udnes Weng (26) struggles to come to terms with having gone from being a ‘list filler’ to leading the Tour de Ski and World Cup.
Anne Kjersti Kalvå (30) chooses her as the new team leader.
– Tiril is completely raw. It’s damn funny. He now he leads the team. He motivates the rest of us. He is really raw, Kalvå tells VG.
– She’s a really good lady to have in the team, setting the standard on a lot of things.
Optimism around the women’s national cross country team seemed to be low among many following the release of the exclusive Therese Johaug. Behind Johaug, 8th, 9th and 13th place were the best results of the other Norwegian women at last winter’s Olympics.
But with new coaches Sjur Ole Svarstad and Stig Rune Kveen, the team got a big boost. Ingvild Flugstad Østberg, Anne Kjersti Kalvå and Lotta Udnes Weng were on the World Cup podium this year.
– Svir for Karlsson
But so far it is Tiril Udnes Weng who has shown himself the most after Johaug stepped down. Last year she was number 16 at the World Cup. She has now won her first victory against the world’s elite and is currently leading the World Cup and Tour de Ski. Even the 26-year-old from Nes is surprised.
– I go and wait for you to get back to where I was, as a “list filler,” says Udnes Weng.
Before Christmas, Swedish star Frida Karlsson announced who the rival was “second best all around”.
– Probably it annoyed her that Frida reported him. Tiril is raw regardless of style or distance. He is one of the favorites in all ski races, it is absolutely raw, says Kalvå.
Twin sister Lotta Udnes Weng thinks Karlsson was annoyed after Tiril Udnes Weng passed the Swede and Kerttu Niskanen at the start of Sunday’s Tour de Ski chase.
– It hurts Karlsson a little to be beaten by Tiril, I think. It wasn’t what she had envisioned in October, Lotta says.
After Sunday’s sprint duel, Karlsson went straight to Tiril Udnes Weng.
– I said “today Tiril, today you were the best”. It was well deserved, said Karlsson.
Holiday notice from sister
With great results, they also increase attention and pressure. Lotta Udnes Weng makes sure her twin sister stays grounded.
– She’s becoming more popular among Norwegians, so it might help to behave a little, not get excited HeidisHeidispubs in several Norwegian cities known for table dancing. and so on, Lotta says and laughs.
– I try not to be so “presumptuous”, but it doesn’t take long before I hear something from Lotta. It doesn’t take long before she says it “yellow jersey” “yellow jersey” the World Cup leader wears a yellow jersey.it went to my head, replies Tiril.
– What’s it like to become one of the biggest favorites to win the Tour de Ski and the World Cup?
– It’s a new position. It’s fun and I think there’s a positive circle around that. It’s motivating, says Tiril.
Down to earth lady
Coach Sjur Ole Svarstad, who is he got infected with corona, is surprised and overwhelmed by Tiril Udnes Weng’s progress. He believes she is getting close to becoming a “complete skier”.
– She has become a really good skier, keeps pace in both short and long distances and runs more races than the vast majority. She is impressive, says Svarstad.
– How are you coping with the transition around this ascent?
– He’s doing very well. Down to earth lady and humble. At the same time, it’s true that demands and expectations are shifted drastically from both oneself and one’s surroundings, replies Svarstad.
The Tour de Ski continues on Tuesday with a start at 10 kilometer intervals Varme Oberstdorf. Men start at 11.45am and Women at 2.45pm on TV3/Viaplay.
