Emil Persson, Lager 157 Ski Team, did an impressive performance when he won Marcialonga and outmaneuvered Tord Asle Gjerdalen, Ermil Vokuev, Oskar Kardin, and Petter Eliassen at the end of the race.
Now he comes to Jizerska 50 to defend the yellow bib and keep the Grand Slam possibility alive.
“Together with my teammates, we will do everything to defend the yellow bib,” says Emil Persson.
After the victory at Marcialona, Emil has been at home in Sweden and his hometown Östersund and recharged his batteries for Sunday’s Jizerska 50.
Have you preserved the great shape, or is it even rising?
“It’s stable, since Marcialonga, I would say, Persson, tells.
Previously, your best result at Jizerska 50 is 13th. What will be the challenge for you to go all the way this time?
“It will be to have the stamina. That’s what I’ve not been able to achieve at the race earlier. Everything has to go your way, as it did on Marcialonga. You must have good skis, a good day, and strong teammates. My capacity is much better this year, so I think it’s possible.
Will your teammates work even more for you now when you have the yellow bib and chance of a Grand Slam?
“We will do everything to defend the yellow bib. It would be cool to be able to stand at the Vasaloppet start in yellow.”
What kind of race do you think it will be tomorrow?
“I think the race be decided in a sprint. In the last 15 km, there is quite a lot of downhill. But before that, the course is tough, so it will probably not be a large group in the end. I think it will be five to ten athletes in a sprint finish. Then you just have to be on your toes.”
Top photo: Björn Reichert/Nordic Focus.
