By Teemu Virtanen
Earlier this week, we had an article about Petter Eliassen, the runner-up for the men’s Hertz Yellow Champion bib competition this season, and now we hop over to the women’s side and have a chat with Astrid Øyre Slind, another runner-up for the much-coveted champion title.
The Team Koteng’s leading lady is ready to dethrone the reigning queen of the sport Britta Johansson Norgren, Lager 157 Ski Team, when the 10th anniversary season takes off in the end of this year. But we still have many months before the new season is upon us, which means that we can take a moment with the wonderfully cheery and smiley Norwegian pro skier and find out what she has to tell us.
But let’s get started with the most important things first! She loves rice porridge, Bjørn Dæhlie is her idol (much like Petter’s), and Eminem’s Matoma remix song “Business” is her favorite piece of music at the moment. Her best vacation took place a couple of years ago when she went to California with a bunch of her best friends and took an advantage of the West Coast offering with the sunshine, palm trees and laid-back atmosphere.
Her coolest childhood memory dates back to the kindergarten years when some bad boys bullied her, but she pulled a knife and showed them her true colors. That was the day when she had a chance to be the leader of the daycare center and all the kids looked upon her. And only time will tell if her days of true leadership are waiting in the wings.
Here is the queen-in-waiting up close and personal and ready to fight hard for the Hertz Yellow Champion bib title when the year of two twenties comes to fruition.
How was the Season IX for you in hindsight?
“In total, I am satisfied with this season. I think my overall performance level was higher than ever. The biggest low point was undoubtedly when I got sick for three weeks, I couldn’t do Jizerska and was in crappy shape for Vasaloppet. At that point, I thought everything was lost; the climb competition, yellow jersey and Nordic trophy. The best part was the last two races when I finally got to show my potential. I’d had a feeling all season that I was better than last year, but it didn't really show before April. The first races in Livigno were also a highlight when I was feeling strong enough to challenge for the yellow bib, and winning the Scandinavian Cup race in Östersund in skating was really fun too!”
What are you key takeaways from this season?
“Don't get sick as I can’t afford to lose races.”
Your return to form in the latter part of the season was quite sensational. How did it feel to achieve that level of greatness?
“Nothing feels better than to strike back after a tough period!”
Britta is, and has always been, extremely strong, but what does it take to beat her and become the new champion?
“Britta is strong in every aspect of racing. So, I really need to improve everything! Maybe I have to find the Force or something! But when I’m at my best, I am able to challenge her in the fight for the yellow jersey.”
As your performance improved towards the end of the season, so did your team’s input. What kind of a future do you foresee for Team Koteng?
“We have a great time together in Team Koteng, and I think that is one of the reasons why we are the best team this season. We know what we have to do in the training season, and since everyone is honestly happy for each other’s success, we push each other to become better skiers all the time. I think we’ll have a great future ahead of us!”
What kind of training methods or workouts do you have planned for this dryland season?
“For me, it will be pretty standard training. I will participate in some roller-ski races, and have more sessions together with the boys in Trondheim. It gives me the perfect boost that I need to develop myself. So generally speaking, I don't think I have to do anything extraordinary this training season. I need to keep up the good work and focus on the things I need to improve on.”
Speaking of training, what is your philosophy and favorite workout?
“My favorite workout is crust skating, with the wind in my back, and the sun on my face. But I also enjoy doing intervals in the endless hills on the west coast of Norway!”
What are your expectations and hopes for the new anniversary Season X?
“I’m of course hoping to challenge Britta, and maybe some of the other girls, for the yellow bib. It's going to be tough, but I think I am ready for that now. I also really want to win Vasaloppet!”
Finally, how do you see the future of long distance skiing and Visma Ski Classics?
“I think long distance skiing will remain. The mix of elite and normal skiers on the same start line is a winning concept. We have more spectacular courses than the World Cup has. The question is whether more skating races will enhance the tour or diminish its potential as a true form of double poling excellence. There are many points of view on the matter, but I personally love to skate. So, I would like to see more skate races in Visma Ski Classics.”
