By Johan Trygg
Britta Johansson Norgren, Lager 157 Ski Team, has won the overall victory in Visma Ski Classics the last five seasons. Britta is now looking forward to the delayed start of season XI in Switzerland in two weeks.
“For the last two weeks, it has felt like the form is underway,” says Britta.
It has been the longest pre-season ever for Britta and the other Pro Team athletes. Season X ended with Vasaloppet on March 1st, so it has been ten months of training ahead of season XI.
“I have kept the autumn training going all the way until Christmas. It has not felt as usual because of this, I think. But in the last two weeks, it has started to respond well. Now it feels like the form is underway,” says Britta.
“I have been a little worried about the form during the autumn, but at the same time, tests and SkiErg-workouts have shown that I am in good shape,” she continues.
Britta thinks it could be the most challenging season ever in the women’s field during season XI.
“It feels like many athletes have trained well and stayed healthy when there have not been competitions and traveling. It will be exciting to see when the season finally starts. I expect that more girls will be in the front of the field than ever before, says Britta.
If the form is not perfect immediately when the season starts, it does not worrying the experienced 37-year-old Swede.
“I know I have done the job needed and will not worry. When it’s time for Marcialonga, I should be able to be in my best shape,” she says.
In November, when we spoke to Britta, she said that Grand Classics is a big goal this winter. Will Britta be the first to win a Grand Slam – winning Marcialonga, Jizerska, Vasaloppet and Birkebeinerrennet during the same season? No one has managed it before.
Taking a Grand Slam attracts Britta more than winning the Champion competition for the sixth year in a row. At the same time, if you win these four races, you are probably in a good position for an overall victory as well.
When we talk to Britta, she is packing her bags for the trip to Switzerland together with her Pro team, Lager 157 Ski Team.
“We travel by car this time. We will stay in our own bubble,” Britta ends.
