Heidi Weng took her first individual World Cup victory in over four years. This came after a thrilling sprint finish:
— Falun feels like a home course, says the Norwegian.
The women’s skiathlon was the final event of the intense competition weekend in Falun. After the opening 10 km in classic style, ten skiers had broken away. In the final kilometers of the concluding 10 km in freestyle, a trio led the race: Heidi Weng, Frida Karlsson and Jessie Diggins.
— I really had to dig deep when Heidi surged and made a monster move. I’ve been unsure how my body would respond after my cold. I’m super happy with my performance. This was far beyond expectations, says Frida Karlsson, who finished third.
She was 0.9 seconds behind winner Heidi Weng, who in turn was just a tenth of a second ahead of Jessie Diggins. The victory marked Weng’s first individual World Cup win in four years, and also her first individual win on the courses in Falun.
— I have many podium finishes, but not that many wins. So this feels very good. I’m surprised by how my body responded. My body hasn’t really wanted to train after the Olympics, and neither has my head, Weng says with a laugh.
The 34-year-old Heidi Weng was part of the Norwegian team that won gold in the relay at the 2015 World Championships in Falun.
— I have both good and less good memories from the World Championships in Falun, and of course the relay stands out. I enjoy competing in Falun. It feels like a home course. It’s just a matter of jumping in the car and driving the six hours here. This weekend I’ve also been staying with my aunt in Vika.
Will we see you at the World Championships next year?
§— First I have to finish this season. If you had asked me two years ago, I would have said this would be the end. But I’ll probably come to Falun next year, says Heidi Weng.
Today’s attendance figure of 3,475 means that the competition weekend at Lugnet had a total of 12,624 visitors.
Photo by Nordic Focus