It has been a long time since Petter Eliassen, Team Ragde Eiendom, competed in a long distance race now.
It's almost ten months since Vasaloppet, where he won after sprinting past Stian Hoelgaard, Team Koteng, in the last meters of the 90 km race.
The other day, Petter won a local 10 km race in free technic at home in northern Norway. So he has the speed. Petter won ahead of his club mates in Tverrelvdalen IL, Aslak Ole Rognerud Eira and Finn Haagen Krogh. Their finishing times were 22:14, 22:31 and 22:56.
10 km in free technic is far from what awaits in Visma Ski Classics. Have you simulated any long distance races in your training?
"I have done a few long hard workouts, but nothing really far. No real "Vasapass". I long for season XI to start now," says Eliassen.
Next, Petter will go to another local race on January 29. A 30 km race in classic technique.
"I will double pole that race. It will be my race preparation in front of La Diagonela," says Eliassen and continues;
"There seem to be lots of athletes who have trained well and come thoroughly prepared for season XI. I think the level will be higher than ever this winter."
Suppose Petter does not show top form immediately when season XI starts. There is nothing to be worried about; Grand Classics with Marcialonga, Jizerska 50, Vasaloppet and Birkebeinerrennet is what he has on his mind this winter. Should Petter be the first to take a Grand Slam?
"I have had these four races in my head all the pre-season. These are the races I want to go really fast in. Nobody has managed to win all four races the same season before, and it will take a lot to do it, but I will try to be in as good shape as possible," says Eliassen.
He also has some of the toughest opponents in his team, Team Ragde Eiendom.
"Everyone has trained well, and Joar Thele has impressed on me. He has really taken steps in his development. When we have had tests, there is not much difference between us, says Petter.
Eliassen also sees that it will be really crowded in the peloton this winter. As he said earlier, many athletes seem to have trained very well this long pre-season, and he also thinks that several new strong athletes can appear in the Pro Tour.
"I think there may be more Russians to start and also some Norwegian skiers who usually race shorter distances," Petter concludes.
