Johaug on Sorina’s shock: – I’m very surprised.

That Therese Johaug proved to be the best cross-country skier in the world at the opening of the World Cup and won the mini tour in Ruka, probably did not surprise anyone but Linn Svahn and the Swedes who believed in the prediction of the sprint comet of a change of throne before the start of the season.

The winning difference of 21.8 seconds with a record lead on Saturday and a margin of victory of 47 seconds overall, in a lead that did not optimally fit Johaug in first place, was very impressive.

The big surprise, however, was number 2 overall: Tatjana Sorina.

The Russian’s fourth-place finish on Saturday was a mega-sensation, further strengthened as he advanced to second place overall on the mini-tour in Ruka on Sunday.

How was that possible?

And even in women’s cross-country skiing where the distance between “best” and “second best” has been so great?

Tatjana Sorina was on her side in the “third best” category the last time she went to the World Cup race in the 2018/19 season.

Johaug: – Very surprised.

It is a fact that Russia has a glorious breadth like Norway and many names that can be imposed on high, especially on the male side, it is a fact. But Tatjana Sorina’s progress on the comeback remains a rare format sensation.

– I’m very surprised. HUN has taken crazy stepssays Therese Johaug to Dagbladet.

Sorina, formerly known as Aleshjina, has never before been better than No. 38 in a distance race at the World Cup. It happened in Ruka in 2018, when he was two minutes and 45 seconds behind Johaug. This was Sorina’s best distance race until this weekend.

After not running a single World Cup race since March 2019, Sorina returned this weekend and improved her personal best from 38th place to fourth on Saturday, and then to second place on Sunday.

Sorina is 26 years old and has Never He has been recognized as one of the greatest talents in Russian cross-country skiing. Natalya Neprjajeva, Anastasia Sedova and Julia Belorukova are all younger than Sorina and have performed much better.

Johaug’s theory

The latter two became mothers last season, like Sorina, at the request of ski president Jelena Välbe.

– It’s really fun that we have new girls at the top. Perhaps Sorina got a real boost from mom, like Marit Bjørgen got it? Johaug asks Dagbladet questions, with the knowledge of that Sorina became a mother this spring.

– I know he was fast in a Russian race at Muoni recently and beat Neprjajeva there, adds Johaug.

So far, Belorukova and Sedova, who have now changed their names to Stupak and Kulesjova respectively, have struggled in their comebacks as new mothers, while Sorina has become much better than ever.

Stupak (formerly Belorukova) previously won the World Cup race in Ruka, but did not finish in the top 20 in the comeback this weekend, in stark contrast to Sorina in her comeback.

Warns

Suddenly, Johaug has a dangerous new Russian challenger, who also has explosive genes and a good finish, to watch out for in the next ski race.

Johaug doesn’t think Sorina’s breakthrough is a hoax.

– No I dont think so. He’s definitely someone I need to look out for in the future, Johaug warns about his new Russian challenger and continues:

– Many have had a “push” after returning after pregnancy. I don’t know if it is part of his success and progress, but at least he has become strong. We have to take care of it.

Sorina, 26, is married to coach Igor Sorin, who clearly pays off both on and off the court.

Before the weekend in Ruka, it is in the speed race where Sorina has been the best. That image was turned upside down in two days.

However, unlike most of the cross-country skiing world, Russia’s German coach Markus Cramer is not particularly surprised by the enormous progress in the comeback.

– I understand that many are surprised, but we knew that she has made great strides. It has changed his life and improved his stamina. Mentally, he’s stronger now too, says Markus Cramer to Dagbladet.

The secret behind the ski pump

However, there is still a long way to go to world number one Therese Johaug, who got exactly the confirmations she wanted at the opening of the World Cup in Ruka.

– I am very pleased! says Johaug.