28 January 2024 at 11:07 a.m
Fleten didn’t think she could start – Marcialonga won
Emilie Fleten woke up on Sunday and thought she had to report to Marcialonga with a sore throat. A few hours later, she cheered for victory in the classic in Ski Classics.
– I’m glad I started. I actually sent a message to team manager Lina Korsgren this morning, saying that I was unsure if I could start. I felt bad, says Fleten to NRK.
– My God, what a day. This one hangs high, she continues.
The victory was Fleten’s first in the 70 kilometer race in Italy, and she crossed the finish line in Cavalese 14 seconds ahead of reigning champion Magni Smedås.
Finnish Kati Roivas sprinted down Anikken Gjerde Alnæs in the fight for third place.
The four female runners were in the fight for victory into the last brutal hill up to Cavalese. Fleten moved there and got a small hatch which she held on to until the top.
– I really felt bad at the start too, but towards the end I felt like hell. Then I had to go to the basement. It worked just fine, she says.
Fleten thus took his fourth victory in the Ski Classics race. (NTB/NRK)