Cross-Country Skier Therese Johaug Eliminated in 40th Place: "Very Satisfied"

Therese Johaug was glowing with joy after being placed 40th and eliminated in the prologue as the Tour de Ski kicked off today.

– I am very satisfied, Johaug told SVT Sport.

Johaug finished 8.89 seconds behind the winning Italian, Federica Casson, just 1.75 seconds short of qualifying for the quarter-finals. It was a positive feedback for the long-distance phenomenon returning this season, as few believed she would be this competitive.

– It is tough and brutal when you haven't competed in four or five years, but I am very happy with the prologue. I couldn't have expected anything better, Johaug stated after her race.

For Norwegian NRK, Johaug elaborated further on today's sprint, which she views as her weakest segment in the tour.

– I was eight seconds behind the prologue winner but actually feared I might be closer to 20 seconds behind. I feel that my form is good, and I’m just looking forward to the distance races, Johaug commented.

She outperformed a disappointed Ebba Andersson, one of her rivals in the overall standings, by over four seconds.

NRK expert Martin Johnsrud Sundby criticized Johaug for participating in the tour, suggesting she should be training instead.

– I think I know my body better than he does, Johaug replied regarding the challenge of having seven races in nine days.

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