First Individual Podium Place for Kalla
24-11-2007 Charlotte Kalla, 20, took the step up on the podium at the World Cup race in Beitostoelen, Norway.
She placed third after Marit Bjoergen and Vibeke Skofterud, both Norway. Her third place almost felt like a victory.
– I am surprised and very happy, says the Swedish star.
Her brown eyes shined happiness and excitement. She fulfilled all the high demands and took her first individual podium place in the World Cup. She raced smart during the two laps at the tough course in Beitostölen.
– I opened pretty slow because I did not want to rush away. I was looking for the right feeling and rhythm.
At the split time at two kilometers was Charlotte at 7th place, ten seconds after the leader at that point, Claudia Künzel Nystad, Germany. At the seven kilometers mark was Charlotte at third place, 14 seconds behind Marit Bjoergen.
– When I had passed the really steep downhill and the sharp turn and made it without crashing I gave it everything I had in the following uphill. I skied really fast there, smiles Charlotte.
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Marit Bjoergen – photo: Erik Nilsson |
At the finish was Charlotte 21,2 seconds behind the unbeatable Bjoergen and only 0,9 seconds behind Vibeke Skofterud. Vibeke almost lost her second place during the last kilometer where she lost 4 seconds to Charlotte.
– I definitely didn not have any advantage in starting ahead of Vibeke but I’m satisfied. Now I know that I’m on the right way.
Were you nervous before the race?
– No, I was not nervous at all and that made me worried!
How was it to wait in the leader box?
– Awesome! I want to stand there again and hopefully next time when everyone has passed the finish line to.
What do you say about Marit Bjoergen?
– She is very strong and she skied really fast today. 20 seconds is a lot but I think that I can get closer during the season. Marit has raced a few years more then me so I just have to work more and harder.
Next weekend is it classic on the program in Kuusamo. What do you think about that?
– Maybe top 10. I am better in skating but I am trying to get better in classic to. It is just training, training and training. Marit took her first skating distance victory today so there is definitely hope!
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Vibeke Skofterud – photo: Erik Nilsson |
Everyone wanted to talk to Marit Bjoergen after the race. She’s back, better then ever.
– I’m very satisfied with today’s race and I achieved what I was hoping for. A really good start of the season.
The Norwegian team captain, Åge Skinstad said this about Bjoergen and the race:
– Marit is Marit and now she’s back. She was missing a victory in a skating distance race but now she’s got it. I’m also happy for Skofterud, but I’m most satisfied with that nine of my girls took World Cup points. Including three junior skiers. Astrid Jacobsen placed sixth in a skating race and that’s really good of her!
What do you say about Hilde G Pedersen, 43, who placed 13th?
– She never stops to surprise and she is really strong!
Second best for the Swedish team was Anna Hansson who ended at 24th place. She did her first race in the World Cup and placed in the top 30, really good!
– I did a really good finish and felt well. It was fun to get some World Cup points.