Cross-country skiing: Federico Pellegrino just as comfortable over distance
Federico Pellegrino never ceases to amaze. After winning silver in the inaugural skatesprint at the world cross-country skiing championships in Trondheim (Norway) on Thursday, the Italian put in another XXL performance in the Scandinavian skiathlon on Saturday.
In a much longer format, with a 20-kilometre course, the 34-year-old cross-country skier never seemed to have any trouble. Impeccable in the classic section, the Alpine skateboarder hung on to give himself a chance of being placed at the start of the final pack.
A fantastic sprinter, the skier from Valle d’Aosta finally finished fifth after an incredible run to the line. “I’m very happy because I did what I always say I’m capable of doing. I read the race well and put in a great performance,” he told Fondo Italia. I had very good skis and I felt good in the classics. Today, I was very solid mentally.
However, the experienced athlete still had a slightly bitter taste in his mouth after having negotiated his end of the competition so badly. Looking back, I’m going to curse myself for not having been able to play better at the finish,” he admits. But I never really imagined that I’d get to this stage playing the way I did. It was a great experience. If I had to do it all over again, I’d probably attack on the last climb.
“I realised that this type of race was increasingly within my grasp”.Federico Pellegrino at Fondo Italia
Until now, Federico Pellegrino had only started six elite skiathlons . With the advice of his coach, the Italian has come to believe in his chances in this format. ” I’ve always tried to do my best and I’ve realised that this type of race is increasingly within my grasp. It’s a shame that I haven’t believed in myself enough from that point of view throughout my career,” he regrets. A fortnight ago, I still had my doubts, but my coach convinced me that this could be a race where I could really do well. When you have someone to help you believe in yourself, everything becomes a lot easier.
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