The 33-year-old Norwegian traditional cross-country star is entering her 13th season on the elite national team, looking to start the World Championships prep with both energy and ambition. While several Swedish stars have announced they are skipping the Tour de Ski this year due to the total workload leading up to the World Championships, Heidi Weng is especially looking forward to this season’s Tour.

Also Read: Swedish stars skip Tour de Ski – Already now  

Easier Program in Tour de Ski

“The Tour de Ski schedule is easier than ever,” says the national team veteran at a press conference during the team’s high-altitude training camp in Livigno this week. She points out that this year’s Tour de Ski will take place entirely in Italy.

“You avoid extra travel, and the races will be held in two very nice places: both Toblach and Val di Fiemme,” says Weng, according to Langrenn.com.

Weng plans to compete in all World Cup races and selection races leading up to the World Championship in Trondheim.

Read More – Heidi Weng: “I thought it was all over, then came the turning point”

Strong Start to World Championships Prep

Last winter, Weng was the best Norwegian overall in the World Cup. This summer, she has trained harder and better than ever.

“I feel like I’ve done a good job, especially in July and August, and it’s been a solid amount of training. I’ve never felt this energetic, and I’m very pleased with that. There were a few days I had to hold back, but I managed to get through it. I’m really looking forward to the fall,” she says.

Weng also mentions that she is now hardly feeling the issues she’s struggled with over the past few seasons following a concussion she suffered just before the Norwegian Championships in 2022.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve felt this healthy. That alone has brought me a lot of joy. I feel like I’ve done everything I should from the beginning,” she says.

The only challenge has been a troublesome knee that has prevented her from running as much as she’d like, but she has made up for it with more roller skiing and cycling. So far, the results look promising.

Weng opened the fall season with a victory at Lysebotn Opp, the brutal uphill race that is the first event of the Blink Festival. She won by a crushing margin over last year’s winner, Ebba Andersson.

Also Read: Weng freestyle winner at the Lysebotn Opp 2024

The following day, she impressively finished second in the 50km Blink Classics, beating Pro Team athlete Emilie Fleten by over 30 seconds in her first long-distance race on roller skis.

Looking Ahead

After a high-altitude camp with lots of controlled training, Weng is eager to push herself with harder sessions and is already looking forward to the national team’s next camp. This will take place at Mosetertoppen in Hafjell at the end of September/beginning of October.

“I’m excited to start training really hard again, and for the Hafjell camp. It’s one of the highlights of the year for me, so I’m really looking forward to it.”

No Comment on Johaug’s World Championships Prep

Therese Johaug is planning to compete in four race weekends before the World Championships. Meanwhile, Weng intends to compete in almost everything, including the Tour de Ski.

“Her plan is tailor-made for her. I guess she’s thought a lot about how things will work best for her and how she will be in the best shape. Everyone has to figure out how to prepare as best as possible, and that’s her plan,” says Heidi Weng, adding:

“She knows best, and it’s her plan. She has a child at home and many considerations to take into account. So I think it’s a good plan.”

Read More: Johaug will barely race before the World Championships

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