The American Jessie Diggins was far behind in Tuesday's race in the classic in the Tour de Ski, but had to struggle, which the TV pictures showed especially in the uphills where the skis let go.
- I had pretty good energy, but I made a mistake and didn't ask for enough grip, and for me it's very difficult to ride then, she tells SVT Sport.
You came here as one of the big favorites, you're a bit behind, what's going on?
- There are several factors that must be right in a competition, the body, the form and the herding, some I can control, others not.
The only thing I can do is focus every day and drive what I can, and I've done that, so I'm proud of that," said Diggins.
Diggins first finished in 40th place in the race, well behind, and in the summary she is 36th, over four minutes behind Frida Karlsson.
The American won the entire Tour de Ski two seasons ago.