Madshus racer Kristin Størmer Steira (NOR) finally made it to the podium in the Tour de Ski. Not only did she finish third overall, Steira also placed third in the overall sprint standings.
Steira was second overall ahead of the final stage, the 9-kilometer hill climb up Alpe Cermis in Val di Fiemme (ITA). Steira maintained her grip on the podium, although Therese Johaug snagged the second place overall.
“I knew the climb was very hard, and I was focused on keeping the third spot. Eventually, I made it,” Steira says after the final stage in the 2013 Tour de Ski.
For Steira, the entire Tour de Ski was one big upward-spiraling experience.
“It’s been a fantastic Tour de Ski, and the third place in the sprint standing is certainly surprising for me,” Steira says. “I had fun each day since the beginning of the Tour, especially the sprint competition in Val Müstair, and I think I’m in a good shape at the moment,” Steira says.
Now Steira is preparing for her overall season goal: The 2013 FIS Nordic World Championships in Val di Fiemme, which start in the end of February.
“Hopefully I will improve in the next month or so, and be ready to the World Championships here in Italy,” Steira notes.
Additionally, Madshus racers Krista Laehteenmaeki (FIN) and Heidi Weng (NOR) also delivered stellar performances at the 2013 Tour de Ski.