Cross-country skiing: Hugo Lapalus aims for a podium finish in the distance ranking
In the individual classic of the Oslo-Holmenkollen (Norway) cross-country skiing world cupon Saturday, Norway’s Martin Loewstroem Nyenget dominated the race.Hugo Lapalus from Haut-Savoie was as solid as ever,taking a fine sixth place.
Still fourth in the overall classification and second in the distance classification, the 26-year-old cross-country skier spoke to Nordic Magazine after the race.
- How do you feel about finishing sixth?
I’m really happy with sixth place today, especially the way I put the race together. I was in the match all the way for this top 5. Well, it’s not the end of the road for a second, but I’m still really pleased to have bounced back, especially after these World Championships.
- How did you feel during the race?
I felt really good on the skis, we had really good equipment, so it was cool. I wanted to get out in front and get some feeling back. At the Worlds, I had a good feeling, but I didn’t have that feeling of being out in front, of being in the fight. So I’m quite happy.
“I was really disappointed after Trondheim, so I’m pleased that I’ve been able to get back on track a bit with my results”.Hugo Lapalus at Nordic Magazine
- Were you feeling a bit vindicated after the Worlds?
Yes, of course, because it wasn’t where I wanted to be. I think we could have done better. I was really disappointed after Trondheim, so I’m still happy that I’ve managed to get back on track a bit with my results.
- How was your week between the end of the Worlds and Oslo?
We spent the week in Oslo, which was really cool. We did some good skiing in good conditions. The start of the week was a bit average, but then it snowed a bit more and it was really nice to ski. We were able to do some good skiing and prepare well. I was a bit tired after Trondheim. I think everyone is a bit like that. But there are always some guys who digest it better and others who suffer a bit more. Personally, I think I’ve digested these Worlds quite well.
“I’m concentrating on tomorrow’s race and I’m approaching it with the same attitude as today, conquering and attacking”.Hugo Lapalus at Nordic Magazine
- How are you approaching the end of the season?
I’m still in with a chance of finishing the season well. We’re going to have to keep at it, because there are still some great races to come, particularly tomorrow with the individual skate, but also the 50km [on 23 March in Lahti (Finland), editor’s note]. We’re going to have to give it everything we’ve got to stay placed overall and keep this podium in the distance rankings. I’m not going to give up anything to get this podium. I’m going to try to finish strong.
- And it starts tomorrow…
I’m concentrating on tomorrow’s race and I’m approaching it in the same way as I did today, conquering and attacking. I’m going to try to really get out in front. It’s the end of the season, so it’s pretty cool, there’s a good mood, so that’s good.
Read also
- Cross-country skiing | Oslo-Holmenkollen: Martin Loewstroem Nyenget crushes the individual classic, Hugo Lapalus in the top 10
- Cross-country skiing | Oslo: Iivo Niskanen withdraws for his comeback
- Cross-country skiing | Oslo: William Poromaa has come to terms with the World Championships, taking another podium finish
- Cross-country skiing | Oslo-Holmenkollen: Therese Johaug wins the individual classic, the French in the top 20
- Cross-country skiing | Oslo-Holmenkollen: Flora Dolci and Richard Jouve absent from the individual classic at the last minute
- Cross-country skiing | Oslo-Holmenkollen: start lists for the individual World Cup classics
- Cross-country skiing | Live data: follow the individual classic World Cup races in Oslo-Holmenkollen live | Women’s race at 11.30am, men’s race at 2pm
- Cross-country skiing: the French team selection for the Oslo-Holmenkollen World Cup
