The short version
- Cross-country skiers Tiril Udnes Weng and Anne Kjersti Kalvå had a disappointing season
- Coach Sjur Ole Svarstad is clearly out for revenge
- The downturn has taken a toll on the trainer, who describes sleepless nights
- Next winter they can get their big revenge in the WC in Trondheim
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– What has been extra tough for me is that the two who were perhaps the best skiers the year before – Tiril and Anne Kjersti – both probably did a little too much before the season, says Svarstad to VG.
- Udnes Weng won the 2022/23 World Cup overall after nine podiums, including one win.
- Anne Kjersti Kalvå also had her definitive breakthrough with four podium places, including a win.
- The duo helped secure relay gold for Norway in the Planica WC.
But last winter was a failure. Both struggled with illness and interruptions. They have said that they took in too much before the season. In the World Cup overall, Kalvå was number 35 and Udnes Weng number 40.
– You can be motivated by less. We have all learned, says Svarstad.
He is clearly engaged. The desire for revenge sparkles in his eyes when he talks.
– It is consuming. I can feel that. We have to get them up and nodding again. I don’t want to see Tiril become number 43 in Falun again, I can’t bear it again! No, damn it, I can’t take it!
He is referring to when Tiril Udnes Weng was number 41 in the last race of the season – 20 km free joint start. Jessie Diggins won ahead of Heidi Weng and Kalvå, who finished with a flash of light.
– How much has their downturn cost you personally?
– No no! No! Therefore!
– There are many sleepless nights. I will promise you that. But that’s good, because as a trainer you live and breathe for this. When they are on the podium, you are the happiest in the world. You can smile all you want when they become number 43, but you know it…
– How tired were you of questions about the downturn?
– It was difficult that people with such good intentions, intentions and motivation to take a new step forward…, then it becomes a step backwards. But that’s what top sport is like. There’s no guarantee of anything, that’s what makes going into hell exciting.
Kristine Stavås Skistad had a strong season:
Tiril Udnes Weng shares the view of his coach.
– I also lost sleep at night, to be honest. I hope it’s history. Ski racing is not fun when it goes so badly, she says.
When VG spoke to her during the final Falun weekend in March, her frustration was obvious. The tears pressed on in the disappointment.
But the profile tries to think offensively, even if she still wants to wait a little before training 100 percent.
– Self-confidence was higher at this time last year, but I think it’s good that I have respect for what I did wrong at this time last year. I’ll be careful now. This spring reminds me a lot of the spring two years ago, and it went very well, it gives me peace of mind.
Anne Kjersti Kalvå has also evaluated the disappointment.
– I will learn a lot from last season. The key word now is patience, says Kalvå and summarizes:
– It was too much from the start last year, the body pushed too early and then interest rates came in the autumn with some injuries and illness. Constantly on the minus side. It’s a little hard to pick up too, it’s a delicate balance.
Next season the WC awaits in Trondheim – where both Kalvå and Udnes Weng live.
