Ida Dahl, Team Ramudden, won Visma Ski Classic’s Youth competition for the third year and took second place in the Yellow bib competition for the second year in a row. But not least, she took her first victories in the Pro Tour.
“I’m extremely happy with the season, even though there have been periods when it has been a bit tough,” says Dahl.
Before the season finale in Ylläs-Levi, there was a theoretical possibility for Ida Dahl to pass Britta Johansson Norgren in the battle for the overall victory. However, she was 97 points behind and if Ida had won the race, Britta couldn’t be better than in seventh place. As you know, Britta won, and Ida finished fourth.
How did you feel during the final in Ylläs-Levi?
“It felt okay but it was a tough race, tiring,” says the 26-year-old Dahl.
Ida Dahl was second in the total during season XI behind teammate Lina Korsgren. In Season XII, it was Britta Johansson Norgren who became too difficult to beat. But Dahl can look back on her best season with her first victories in the Pro Tour. Something that neither Dahl herself nor anyone else could have imagined would happen this winter when she had major back problems during the summer and autumn.
If we look at the whole season, you have had many great successes and taken your first victories in Ski Classics. How do you sum up the season? Especially considering the problems you had before the season.
“It has really exceeded my expectations. I am extremely happy with the season, even though there have been periods when it has been a bit tough. It feels so great,” says Dahl
The first of the four victories came at Prato Piazza Mountain Challenge, the second on Engadin La Diagonela. Then the two prestigious victories in the Grand Classics races Marcialonga and Jizerská.
“It really feels fantastic,” says Dahl.
In which races did you have the very best feeling this winter?
“Probably at Marcialonga and at the first victory at Prato Piazza. The two races went extremely well.”
Which race was the toughest?
“I think Tartu was what felt most tiring. Birken was also extremely tiring.”
How are your thoughts ahead of next season with this successful season behind you? Or are you not thinking about that right now?
“Right now, I have not thought so much about it. Now it’s nice that the season is over, and I will not do much that has to do with skis the next week. But then am I of course ready for a new season. Absolutely!”
Will there be any more races for you in the spring?
“No, I will not do any more races. I feel that both the body and the mind need to rest. I also have quite a lot of other things to do.”
Is it about schoolwork?
“In part, it is a lot of school and then we will renovate an apartment. We have bought a new apartment here in Östersund,” says Dahl who is studying to become a civil engineer alongside her skiing career.
“We”, is Ida and her boyfriend Eddie Edström in Lager 157 Ski Team who made his first full season as long-distance athlete and finished 16th overall.
“Eddie has done it very well his first season. It has gone better and better for him.”
How far have you come in your studies?
“I have two years left full time, but we will see how long it takes. I do not think it is any stress to finish.”
Next winter will be special on the women’s side when now both Britta Johansson Norgren, Lager 157 Ski Team and Ida’s teammate Lina Korsgren have put the skis on the shelf. So also, Team Engcon’s Laila Kveli and Evelina Settlin.
“It will be empty without them. We can only hope that some new interesting athletes will join the Pro Tour,” says Dahl.
You got a special pre-season with a lot of alternative training. Will this affect your plan for the upcoming training season?
“Yes, I will try to do a little more alternative training all the time and be careful to maintain the work with my back, even when it feels good.”
Have you felt your back problems this winter?
“It has worked okay, but I have felt it thru the season. I must be careful all the time and taking care of it.”
Are you continuing with Mattias Reck as coach?
“Yes, I think so. I’m happy to work with him.”
Ida loses Lina Korsgren as a teammate, but Jenny Larsson is on her way to comeback after her injury.
“It´s very fun and very important for the sport that we get such a strong girl as Jenny back in again when the others disappear.”
What do you long for most now when the season is over?
“To be able to spend time with the family in a relaxed and normal way. Not having to sit two meters apart with mouth guards. It will be so nice to meet everyone at Easter again and just hang out.”
