He first became the talk of the Norwegian Championships when he won the 10-kilometer race on the opening day of the championship at Beitostølen at the end of February. On Sunday, Gjøran Tefre secured second place in the 20km mass start race in freestyle technique at the World Cup final in Falun. He finished just four-tenths of a second behind Johannes Høsflot Klæbo and almost two seconds ahead of Martin Løwstrøm Nyenget.

Some of the national team skiers did not participate in the Norwegian Championships. In Falun, Tefre outperformed the entire World Cup field, except for Klæbo.

After winning the Norwegian Championships, many have speculated how I would fare if all the best were there. I’m showing that now. In Falun, all the best were there,” Tefre told Langrenn.com, and added: “No one else has the speed I have right now.”

What does this breakthrough mean for you?

“In a way, it means everything, even though I don’t like to use that expression because life is much more than just ski races. But I’ve been good for a long time. I’ve had many 10th, 12th, and 13th places in the World Cup. That’s good, but not good enough when you’re Norwegian. That’s why getting on the podium means extremely much. I am extremely relieved and proud that I managed to take that final step.”

How long could you continue full-time dedication if this hadn’t come this year?

“That’s a difficult question. As long as I’m motivated, I can keep going for a long time. I feel myself improving, and then it’s easy to go out for training. But I’ve turned 29,” Tefre said, elaborating: “So it’s important not just to get better in training but to manage to take that final step. I feel like I’m there now. And I didn’t just do it at the Norwegian Championships. Yesterday, I did it in the World Cup, too.”

Four-tenths separated you from Johannes Høsflot Klæbo. That’s not much. Looking back, is there anywhere you think you could have made up that time?

“No. I don’t think so. In a 20km race, there are many opportunities to make poor choices. When you feel strong, it’s easy to feel like doing things recklessly, but I managed to keep a cool head and had a good finish. Johannes Høsflot Klæbo has won seven World Cup races in a row. It’s difficult to beat him in the form he’s in now.”

What do you think about your chances of securing a spot on the national team now? Have you received any signals?

“I think that’s a difficult puzzle for them to figure out.”

So, what’s the key to the incredible breakthrough at the end of this season?

“It’s important to have good supporters behind you. Not just with support from the team and professionally but also from people who believe in you, like Morten (Stomperud) at Northcom.”

What precisely does Stomperud do?

“Morten does incredibly much. He’s a great example of a sponsor who not only ensures that I have financial support to pursue my career but also is a good friend who understands the importance of being well to perform well and takes on extra responsibility to ensure that I thrive. So, the last weekend before I went to Falun, he invited me to dinner to celebrate the Norwegian Championship win. Things like that mean incredibly much.”