Stefan Zelger: “The start serves as a position assessment”

Zelger made it into the points four times in the last World Cup season, including three times in a sprint race. At the World Championships in Seefeld he also came 29th in the sprint and made it to the quarter-finals. However, he recorded his best World Cup result in a classic distance race when he finished 15th over 24 kilometers (in Cogne). Zelger showed that he is rightly considered an all-rounder.

Im SportNews In the interview, the 24-year-old reveals, among other things, what goals he has set himself for the coming season.

It starts on Friday: What are your feelings at the start?

Stefan Zelger: “We have been in Finland for around two and a half weeks and can train well there. I notice that I'm getting in better and better shape. But before the start you never know exactly where you stand. In this respect, Ruka also serves as a location marker.”

What is possible for you personally in the first races?

“Of course I want to be in the top 30 in the sprint. But that will be difficult because the entire world's best will be at the start in Ruka. Basically, I feel more comfortable sprinting in the free technique, but I also think I can achieve a good result in the classic sprint.”

“I often have problems with my diaphragm during distance races” What goals have you set for yourself for the coming season?

“Basically, I want to be in the top 20 in an individual race for the first time, regardless of whether it’s a sprint or a distance race. During distance races I often have problems with my diaphragm, which causes pain. That's why I currently feel a little more comfortable in sprints. Anything is always possible in these races and so I have the confidence to make it to the semi-finals (top 12).”

What highlights are coming up in the coming season?

“Since there is no major event on the program, the Tour de Ski is certainly the big highlight. I would like to finish it this year too. This season the racing calendar is full of dates, which is one of the reasons why we as a team will forego a start in Lillehammer (next weekend, editor's note). The World Cup calendar has never been so full.”

“We are a cool group and have good group dynamics” What do you think your teammates can do this year?

“Pellegrino and De Fabiani are definitely good for some podium places again. Even though De Fabiani had some problems with his back recently, he has now got the pain under control again. Basically, I can say that we are a cool group and have good group dynamics. Everyone wants the other to succeed.”

Who do you think are the top favorites to win the overall World Cup and the Tour de Ski?

“Clearly, Klæbo and Bolshunov, because they are very balanced. You can win both sprint and distance races. When they’re both in form, they’re hard to beat.”

While Zelger - alongside eight other Azzurri - is in Ruka, Dietmar Nöckler cannot start because he fell during training. The man from Bruneck tells us how hard it is SportNews - interview.

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Stefan Zelger: “The start serves as a position assessment”

Most winter sports athletes have already completed their first competitions. The cross-country skiers also get started on Friday. In Ruka (Finland) there will be “only” one South Tyrolean, Stefan Zelger. The man from Bolzano would like to take the next step this year.

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