By Johan Trygg
Emil Persson, Lager 157 Ski Team, was one of the biggest surprises during the Visma Ski Classics Season X. He entered the season with a 9th place as his best result and managed to win two races - the Prologue in Livigno in early December and Kaiser Maximilan Lauf shortly after New Year.
Emil, if you now look back on the season with some distance. What are your thoughts right now?
"It was a really fun season. I never thought it would go so well," says the 25-year-old Emil.
The first victory at the Prologue in Livigno was, of course, a surprise.
"The victory also feels even bigger when you consider that it was five years since a Swede won a race in Visma Ski Classics."
The victory in Livigno was also the key to his next triumph in Seefeld at Kaiser Maximilan Lauf.
"Many said that I could win in Livigno because it was a short and easy course. But in Seefeld, I was able to prove that I managed a longer and tougher race."
When the race was to be decided at Kaiser Maximilan Lauf, Emil had confidence that he could win and challenge Andreas Nygaard, and the others, on the final stretch.
"It was about time that someone maneuvered him out of winning a final sprint," says Emil with a little laugh.
After the second victory, however, it became much harder for Emil.
"I got sick after the race in Seefeld and missed La Diagonela. The illness took more out of me than I first thought, and I never returned to the same form in the races we did this winter and then the season ended so quickly."
"But lately, I have been in good shape and it has felt just as good as at the beginning of the winter. But I never got to use that form in a competition."
The situation after canceled races due to the Covid 19 outbreak has obviously affected Emil just like everyone else, but in Sweden, the country has not been as closed down as in many other places. Emil has continued to train hard and has also done some training competitions in Östersund.
"I have not had any problems with motivation and have taken the opportunity to train well as the conditions have been great for skiing. I'm waiting to take a rest period when the conditions get worse," he says.
Emil often trains with his teammate Andreas Holmberg and now again with previously injured Anton Karlsson who has started training on skis again. Within the training group in Östersund, there is also Oskar Kardin, Team Ragde Eiendomm among others.
"Marcus (Johansson) recently spent a week training with us in Östersund as well."
Normally, Emil is a 100% skier, but this spring he plans to work a bit. He will do some forest planting and harvesting, some traditional jobs for skiers.
"It is good to have some change for a short period before the hard training starts again," he states.
Who do you think are the biggest surprises in Visma Ski Classics this winter, besides yourself?
"I would say Max Novak (Team Ramudden) and "Mackan" (Marcus Johansson). Overall, Swedish athletes have raised the bar this winter. Among the girls, I think Ida Dahl (Team Ramudden) and Emilie Fleten (Team Ragde Eiendom) both made a strong impact this season."
For Visma Ski Classics season XI, the goal for Emil is, of course, to win more races.
"For the next season, I will come with more experience. It provides security when you know you can win races. Hopefully, I can also get a little better next winter."
As a coach, Emil has Lager 157 Ski Team's assistant team director Lars Ljung.
"Lars is important to me. We have a really good cooperation."
Lager 157 Ski Team Manager Anton Järnberg got the award for Team Pro Director of the Year the other day. What does he mean to you and the team?
"He means a lot. He gives good support and keeps track of everything all year round."
