Last season, Therese Johaug was beaten only once in a distance race - then by Stina Nilsson in Canada. At the start of the chase over 10 kilometers in yesterday's Tour de Ski, Johaug lost his first distance race this year when national teammate Ingvild Flugstad Östberg was stronger on the rally.
For Norwegian Dagbladet, Therese Johaug talks about how she feels about losing:
- It is inspiring and fun that teammates succeed. I have trained a lot with Ingvild and know how good she is. I'm proud of what she did at the start of the hunt in Toblach, says Johaug.
"Never been in the lead"When asked if she is stressed by being beaten, the answer comes quickly:
- No.
- I just think it is motivating that I get beaten. It just triggers me and makes me need to work on my sprint, and I have to do more before the rally starts.
Therese Johaug, who won the Tour de Ski twice in 2014 and 2016, now leads the tour.
- I'm in a very good position. I've never been in the management of the Tour de Ski halfway before, and something I must have done right so far. I promise I won't give up until I'm at the top of the slope, ”she says.