Second place at the Vasaloppet gave Marit Bjørgen inspiration. Now she has signed on for another year with Team Ragde Eiendom and will do five races in Visma Ski Classics season XII: Jizerská 50, Marcialonga, Vasaloppet, Birkebeinerrennet and Reistadløpet.
“I was close to a victory at Vasaloppet, and I like to compete, it’s just to admit. The second place at Vasaloppet was a bit like the fourth place at a championship,” says Bjørgen to NRK.
With Marit Bjørgen starting in five events in Season XII, the competition in the women’s class is getting tighter. Of course, it also opens up for Team Ragde Eiendom to once again become a team for the overall victory in the Team competition.
Pro Team Director Jørgen Aukland is very pleased that Bjørgen has signed for the coming season.
“Marit is unique, both in terms of performance and attitude. Everyone who loves skiing appreciates the times we get to see her on the starting line,” Aukland tells NRK.
That it’s victories Bjørgen aiming for next winter is clear, as the winner she is.
“Everything will be a defeat if you are worse than second from now on,” she says with a laugh in her voice.
She tells NRK that the chance of winning is probably greater in both Marcialonga, Birken, and Reistadløpet than in Vasaloppet.
The joy of training is perhaps the most important reason why she continues to train and race.
“It has been very good for me to have something to work towards, and it is a very inspiring group to train with,” Bjørgen tells NRK.
