Stina Nilsson has really flown under the radar ahead of this year's Vasalopp.
Her entire season has been characterized by seeing and learning in her new ski discipline. Moreover, she had problems with illnesses around New Year's. But Vasaloppet has always been an exciting challenge for Stina Nilsson, who grew up in Malung. Something that makes the race even more exciting for her.
The last few weeks before "Vasan", the 31-year-old went her own way. Among other things, she chose to do her own training instead of participating in last week's Tjejvasan, unlike other top skiers. She admitted that she was nervous before the race.
Fell in the starting pit
The start, all the guys, you can make your way forward, you can fall and I did. I was down a turn in the starting pit, but I feel so strong today that it doesn't matter, says Nilsson to SVT.
Ahead of Sunday's race over nine miles, she was an outsider. Therefore, the favorites were thoroughly surprised when Nilsson started at a furious pace and took a clear lead already in the first hill. She kept up with the fast men's group and the lead in seconds turned into minutes. The competitors were caught off guard and could only hope that she would hit the wall in her first Vasalopp.
"I'm so grateful"
But in Oxberg, over three miles before the finish, Stina Nilsson led by 4.48 ahead of the Norwegian duo Silje Øyre Slind and Anikken Gjerde Alnæs. In Hökberg, she was 5.28 ahead of the chasing duo. They were ultimately 5.11 behind Nilsson at the finish.
I live between Sälen and Mora. I'm so grateful to have achieved this together with them (the team), says the Swedish winner.
Like a victory
The second-place finisher, Norwegian Anikken Gjerde Alnæs, was full of praise for Nilsson's performance when she spoke to SVT after the race:
- The pace Stina had was not possible to keep.
- I'm just incredibly relieved, a second place is a victory for me.
