By Johan Trygg
Morten Eide Pedersen, Team Nordic Athlete, has won the Climb competition three years in a row. This winter, he aims for the yellow Champion bib, but at the same time, he doesn’t intend to give away the Climb bib.
“I’m a bit childish there. I will not give it away for free,” says Morten.
We checked the status with Eide Pedersen with less than a week left until season XI kicks off with La Diagonela in Zouz, Switzerland.
“I’m a little unsure about the form since it has gone so long time since I did a long distance race, but I have a good training period behind me, and all preparations have worked out fine. Tests on treadmills, both running and on roller skis, show promising signs,” says Morten and continues;
“I think all skiers are very eager to get the season started. The level of the athletes will not be worse than in previous years. Most athletes have been able to train more than usual when it has been such a long pre-season.”
Morten is now in Livigno preparing for the start of Season XI together with his teammates Linn Sömskar, Hedda Bångman and Viktor Mäenpää.
“It has been cold here but also great ski tracks. There have been some wonderful days for us.”
At home in Norway, in the Lillehammer area, Morten has also had perfect training conditions throughout November and December.
What is your goal for season XI?
“I want to succeed in the biggest races. I really want to perform well in Marcialonga and Birkebeinerrennet, and also to do well in Vasaloppet. I never really managed to do that. In such a long race, there are always more factors that come into play,” says Morten, three-time winner of Jizerská.
Morten has won the Climb bib competition three years in a row since it was introduced for season VIII.
How do you feel about the Climb bib versus the Yellow bib for season XI?
“The Yellow bib has been my goal in recent seasons, but on my way there, I won’t let the Climb bib go away easily. I’m a little childish there, and I will not give it away for free.”
Morten thrives as captain of his new Pro Team, Team Nordic Athlete.
“It’s fun with a new group and people who come from different backgrounds. It will be exciting to see how things will go for Linn and Hedda in their first season. I will support them and share my experiences. Everything feels optimistic, and we have every opportunity to be a factor in the Team competition, Morten concludes.
