It's not just about standing at the starting line and then bringing home those World Championship victories – not even if you're named Therese Johaug.
The Norwegian skiing star has gotten exactly what she was after in the Tour de Ski: Resistance. And plenty of it.
In the initial stage, the freestyle sprint, she had no chance as expected. In the subsequent mass start, she finished sixth – the same position she has overall in the tour, with a minute and 14 seconds behind leading Jessie Diggins, USA.
Many have talked me up and down all others. I've been away for two years and know it's not just about standing at the start. I've gone through a pregnancy and childbirth and the whole package, and mentally I had given up – and then suddenly you're supposed to turn it around again, says Johaug.
"Have trained insanely much"
She continues:
I know it's not just about bringing home those first places. It may have looked that way in the past, but there's a reason for it. I've trained insanely much over a long period.
The original plan was not to participate in the demanding ski tour, which involves seven competitions in nine days. But Johaug changed her mind, to "train on competing" ahead of the World Championship in Trondheim in late February–early March.
For it's the 50km event in the World Championship on home soil that's the big goal, and the reason for her comeback, for the 36-year-old.
Aiming for another World Championship gold
And despite the tour having started somewhat rough for her, Johaug still believes she has good opportunities to crown an already incredible career with another gold.
You quickly manage to get up to a good level, but to reach that last little bit, it requires even more. I hope it gets a bit closer towards Trondheim. I still feel that I'm one of those who can win the 50km there, says Johaug.
The 50km event is in freestyle, and the women's race concludes the World Championship in Trondheim on March 9. It will be the first time the women's distance is featured in a championship.
After a rest day on Monday, the 19th edition of the Tour de Ski continues on New Year's Eve with the third stage, covering 20 km, with individual start in freestyle.
Johaug has won three overall victories in the Tour de Ski.
