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Christmas Interview With World Cup leader Marit Bjorgen: My Month Is February
Published: Sun Jan 01, 2006 12:00 AM MST Source: Langrenn.com 
Your best race? - Must be the 30-kilometer at the 2005 Worlds. That was a very special experience since no one had expected it. Best memory from ski racing? - When I crossed the finish line in the 30-kilometer. Nothing beats that. If I should mention something else it would be the first sprint victory in Düsseldorf or the first World Cup victory on longer distances during the 10-kilometer in Gallivare last season. How much are you training per year? I trained 820-hours last season. I feel that I have found a good combination of training and recovery in that area, says Bjorgen. She doesn’t know how that compares to other (international) skiers, but doesn’t feel that she would benefit by training (more), like for example Kristin Stemland (950-1000 hours per year). - I believe that training more would affect the quality, says Bjorgen. She is the main member of the Norwegian women’s team that is truly following (women’s coach) Svein Tore Samdal’s program with extreme periodization. - Yes, I’m the one that is following that more than most of the other skiers. Are you planning on lots of training and many races this Christmas? - Yes, quite a bit of training and a race on December 27. What motivates you to be best? - It’s inspiring to test how much your body can be pushed and how much you can handle. It’s also interesting to see how much I can achieve. What’s your goal for this season? - The Olympics. I hope to capture 3-4 medals, says Bjorgen. What are the most important competitions? – The 10-kilometer classic, sprint, sprint relay and the pursuit, says Bjorgen. She actually hopes to race every race. – I would like to race every race, but we’ll have to see what kind of shape I’m in. Regardless it's the 30-kilometer that’s the least important, says Bjorgen. Are you happy with the season so far? - I’m very happy, and feel that I have performed very well. It feels like my training this summer and fall was very good. You struggled a little in Canada? - I got a first and a sixth, so I’m not viewing that as a problem, says Bjorgen. She is not looking at herself as a Christmas star. – No, I have never been a Christmas star. My month is usually February.
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