By Johan Trygg
Lina Korsgren, Team Ramudden, has completely dominated Visma Ski Classics season XI.
In addition to the overall victory, Korsgren also won the Visma Alp Trophy, Visma Nordic Trophy, the Climb competition, and the Sprint competition. Korsgren has this winter shown an almost unlikely level.
“It has gone indescribably well; it is difficult to grasp,” says 33-year-old Lina Korsgren.
Lina Korsgren’s season is outstanding, with victories in six of the season’s eight events. Lina started with second place at Engadin La Diagonela, then followed four straight victories at Toblach-Cortina, Marcialonga, Jizerská 50, Vasaloppet. After the third place at Vålådalsrennet, she finished the season by winning both Tåssåsen Criterium 64 and Årefjällsloppet.
In the Champion competition, Korsgren won with 1820 points ahead of Ida Dahl, Team Ramudden, with 1330. In Visma Alp Trophy Korsgren won with 670 points ahead of Emilie Fleten, Team Koteng, with 550. She won Visma Nordic Trophy with 850 points ahead of Emilie Fleten, with 615.
In the Sprint competition, Korsgren won with 289 points ahead of Ida Dahl with 239. In the Climb competition, she won with 194 points ahead of Emilie Fleten with 134.
In addition, Team Ramudden won the Pro Team competition with 1540 points ahead of Lager 157 Ski Team in second place with 1440 points and Team Ragde Eiendom in third with 1160 points.
It was the first time the victory in the Pro Team competition didn’t go to a Norwegian Pro Team.
We had a chat with Lina a few days after the 100 km season final, Årefjällsloppet.
How did you experience the Årefjällsloppet?
“As I thought, it was a tough race, especially considering the warm weather that made the track slow. It was a lot of ups and downs for me during the race. Sometimes it felt like I couldn’t take it anymore; I was so tired. A moment later, I was a little more alert again.
What do you say about the end of the race when you were together with the men’s leading group?
“It really was a Grand Finale for the race and the whole season. The men got to see how tough it was to be in the front. I was focused on taking my place in the field and stay right behind Emilie (Fleten).
Can you sum up your season with six victories, a second and a third-place?
“It has gone indescribably well; it is difficult to grasp. It feels both unreal and natural at the same time.”
“I’m very humble about what happened. Everything has worked out for me this winter. I know how sports can be when things are not going so well.”
What does the near future look like for you?
“After competing for 220 km in eight days, I will relax now, but of course, I look forward to some nice spring skiing.”
Lina Korsgren has taken one season at a time for several years now. However, it’s already decided that the 33-year-old will continue for another season.
“I’m ready and motivated to compete for another season; I’m not done yet,” she says.
What do you say about Team Ramudden’s success this winter? It’s you and your husband Gustaf who built up the team.
“I feel proud to have been involved in creating this. Our vision of investing in young skiers has succeeded, but it’s hard to understand that it would go this fast.”
“The young athletes contribute so much. They are so motivated and inspire me and contribute to why I really have to do my best in training and racing.”
What do you long to do besides skiing this spring?
“Hopefully be able to meet family and friends, go out and eat at a restaurant. The simple thing, to be in a social environment.”
