Photo: Bildbyrån
Edvin Anger is second in the Tour de Ski’s overall standings with three stages remaining.
He himself does not dare to think about a podium place – which baffles national team manager Anders Byström.
– It sounds a bit defensive, he says to SVT.
No Swedish men’s skier has picked a podium in the Tour de Ski since Marcus Hellner did it in 2015. Ten years later have now Edwin Anger indeed the opportunity to repeat the feat, as he is second in the overall standings after four stages. Three stages remain, one of which is a sprint.
Edvin Anger focuses on his task
Anger put in a monster effort in the 15-kilometer chase start on Wednesday, when he among other things defeated the Norwegian Johannes Hösflot Kläbo in a long sprint duel and finished second. Just Kläbo is first overall, but last year’s winner Harald Östberg Amundsen (as low third) has been forced to cancel due to a cold. That means Anger has a minute down to the new third.
READ MORE: Edvin Anger’s cocky outburst about Johannes Hösflot Kläbo
The 22-year-old from Hedemora is now trying to stand firmly with both feet on the ground, so that he does not lose focus now that he is so close.
– It’s really easy to float away if you say that. But I try to gather myself and think about what to do. Take one step at a time. And then I know that I need as much time as possible to even have a chance on the last hill. So it’s also with me that I don’t put that pressure, he says to SVT.
Gets some criticism from Anders Byström
Yes, because after Friday’s sprint and Saturday’s 10 km skiathlon, Anger’s nightmare distance awaits: 10 kilometers of freestyle and the classic climb up Alpe Cermis. Last year he came 49th out of 53 riders in the climb.
– I am absolutely not a favorite to stand on the podium yet, but I probably need a minute or so to third or fourth so that I can feel that I have a real chance on the podium, he says.
READ MORE: Edvin Anger makes fools of Petter Northug’s WC bid
Sweden’s national team manager Anders Byström on the other hand, I think that Edvin Anger is too hard on himself and talks down to himself far too much.
– It sounds a bit defensive, he has shown good form. I think he doesn’t need several minutes, he tells SVT.
What do you think of Edvin Anger’s chances of a podium finish in the Tour de Ski? Feel free to comment what you think and believe. Share and like-mark the article.
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