At the finish line of the 20 kilometer free time trial race in Davos, one could see more powerful female skiers than the other. The fierce competition, held at an altitude of just under 1,600 meters, was won by the United States Jessie Diggins.
Norway, who reached the podium in the World Cup after a break of almost three years, offered the toughest resistance to the Yankee woman Ingvild Flugstad Östberg. The Norwegian, who suffered from serious health problems for a long time, eventually lost to Diggins by a good five seconds, and the third-placed Rosie Brennan just over 11 seconds.
– I love this competition. This is a cunningly heavy course, so I tried to ski with concentration. Thanks to my team, because my skis were great, said Diggins after the victory.
The American covered his face with his hands for a long time in the goal area. There was an explanation for this in the interview, as the skier said his eyes froze on the descent part of the last round.
– I took risks on the last descent, and I almost crashed, the winner revealed.
In recent years, Östberg has suffered from, among other things, a severe leg problem. The skier who made it back to the top was really happy at the finish line.
– This is awesome. I had a good day and to get on the podium is really great. Everything that has happened in recent years makes this even more special, Östberg described after the race according to the Norwegian website VG. (you switch to another service)
The skier has been in Davos for more than a week preparing for the weekend. The successful race ended in a struggle for seconds.
– It is both terrible and fun to fight for seconds. This left something to practice when I lost at the end of the win. However, I am incredibly satisfied, Östberg said according to VG.
Pärmäkoski and Niskanen with consistent performances into the top ten
Krista Pärmäkoski and Kerttu Niskanen were, as usual, the best Finns. Pärmäkoski was seventh and Niskanen ninth. Known as a free specialist Eveliina Piippo skied great skiing and was 13th. The ranking was Piipo’s best ever in the World Cup.
Pärmäkoski described the trip as interesting, and reflected on the success of his speed split.
– I must have respected the trip. Tirilin (Udnes Weng) I skied three laps with, and maybe I was a little satisfied with that speed. On the other hand, I don’t know how the skiing would have ended if I had pushed harder in my second round, he analyzed in an interview with .
Typically for the high air sector, the power ratios varied during the competition. Weng skied an uphill race, as he was already 23 seconds behind Diggins at five kilometers. At the finish, the difference was just over 11 seconds.
Brennan fell out of contention in the last three kilometers, while Östberg lost to Diggins by no less than 12.4 seconds in the last three kilometers.
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After yesterday’s tough sprint day, Pärmäkoski had had to refuel with a little extra food, because he had suddenly become hungry at night.
– I nibbled on dried fruit when I couldn’t find anything else, Pärmäkoski laughed.
Pärmäkoski, who competed a lot in the early season, stays in Davos for a training period before the Tour de Ski.
Kerttu Niskanen was not completely satisfied with his own competition.
– It wasn’t quite the result I wanted and expected. I tried to maintain a steady pace throughout the race, but I had to ski alone, Niskanen told Urheilu.
The competition saw some small groups, where the skiers benefited from each other’s pulling help and pees. Niskanen’s advance plan did not materialize in this regard.
– I did not get Kalvån (Anne Kjersti) pees, which was available. I don’t know if that backfired on the last round. I tried to catch up with him, so the last lap was bad and I skied alone in complete peace, Niskanen stated.
Piippo to the best performance of his career
After her skiing, Eveliina Piippo got to sit for a while on the leader’s chair in the finish area.
– It was nice to go there, I hope I can stay a little longer sometime, Piippo told in an interview.
After more difficult years, the 24-year-old skier has reached a good pace and participated in the early season World Cup competitions. According to Piipo, touring with the team has felt good, but the expectations are even higher than Sunday’s result.
– I have high expectations of myself. The top 15 was the least we were aiming for here, so it could have been even better.
According to Piipo, the performance was controlled and smooth. The skier is known for his good relative oxygen uptake capacity, and his ability to ski uphill strongly. This was also visible in Sunday’s performance.
– It seems that Turpi always came when we came from the top down, and I raised a little shares when we went up, Piippo, who also showed off his math skills, reflected.
Remember the Finns Anne Kyllönen was the 22nd The Women’s World Cup continues after the Christmas break with the Tour de Ski at the turn of the year.