Photo: Bildbyrån
Johannes Hösflot Kläbo has won the sprint finals in both Ruka and Lillehammer.
The Norwegian is obviously in his old usual great form – yet Swedish sprint star Edvin Anger believes he can beat him this year.
– I am absolutely sure that I can beat him, he says to Sportbibeln.
The Norwegian Johannes Hösflot Kläbo28, finished last season with seven consecutive World Cup victories. Ahead of this season, he has had some problems with illness, but he has still managed to start the year with two consecutive sprint victories.
Went heavier for Edvin Anger
On the other hand, Kläbo missed the podium in the mile premiere in Finnish Ruka when he entered fourth. It was followed up with a first place in the sprint. He had to sit out Sunday’s two-miler due to a slight cold. By the following weekend, in Lillehammer, he had received the go-ahead to participate. It resulted in a new sprint victory and an eighth place in the skiathlon.
It has been worse for the Swedish shooting star Edwin Anger22, who was completely superior during the Swedish premiere weekend in Bruksvallarna. He came eleventh in the sprint in Ruka and dropped two more places in Lillehammer. Then sprints are still his best distance.
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Anger thinks he can defeat Kläbo
When Sportbibeln meets Anger before the season, at the national team’s media launch in Solna, he has a clear picture of what it will be like to meet the incredibly skilled Norwegian once again this season.
– He has been in the USA and as I understand it, a very tough start to the summer and the training year with a lot of illnesses and such. Wasn’t in a good mood at all during the roller skiing competitions in Trondheim. But at the end he looked very strong, as he should do, he says.
He is aware that the Norwegian will go as a favorite during the season, but at the same time he does not want to put too much focus on it. Anger must focus on his own riding to develop and have a chance to win against Kläbo during the season.
– There is nothing to brag about that he is a big favourite, but you shouldn’t give up faith in yourself because of that, he says.
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Then he sends a slightly cocky pass to the world star from the neighboring country to the west.
– I am convinced that if I take a step and do things right, I am absolutely sure that I can beat him.
Do you think Anger can beat Kläbo in the sprint this year? Feel free to comment what you think about the season. Share and like-mark the article.
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