Heidi Weng (NOR) just celebrated a small anniversary at the World Cup. Today, she was third at the women’s 10-kilometer classic event in Lahti (FIN), almost exactly one year after she first climbed onto the World Cup podium for the first time at the senior level.
Since then, Weng has decided she likes the podium a lot. Lahti 2012 was her international breakthrough. Just two weeks later, she repeated by finishing second overall in the World Cup mini-tour in Falun (SWE).
When the 2013 World Cup season started, Weng picked up where she left in the spring: on the podium. She was third at the Kuusamo mini-tour on December 2nd.
Then Weng won the bronze medal in the 15-kilometer skiathlon at the World Championships in Val di Fiemme last month.
And when she was named to the Norwegian relay team and had to ski the prestigious first leg, she stepped right up to the honor. She handed off with a 10-second lead and played a major role in helping the Norwegian women to a gold medal in the relay.
So coming back to Lahti for the World Cup this weekend was a slightly emotional experience.
“Lahti has been good for me, because last year I was here on the podium for the first time,” Weng said to FIS after the race.
At Madshus, we are excited to support this talented 21-year-old. Weng is not only one of the top racers in the world; she is setting the pace and leading the field. She is the next generation.