Heidi Widmer (Can) ©Cross Country Canada
Heidi, congratulations! You were the top North American junior woman qualifier (15th) and finished 22nd in the 1.3km Sprint Free – were you happy with your performance?
Heidi Widmer: I was really happy with my qualifier. I just had one of those races where I really felt I put everything that I had at that moment, on the line. I had great skis as well so that always helps. In the afternoon I felt like I still have so much to learn racing in tight heats like that. The more experience the better. So, it was positive in the afternoon, but frustrating that I didn’t move on when I felt I could have.
How did the racing unfold…?
HW: In the afternoon heats, I was super pumped about the way my body was feeling after the morning. I had third lane choice and was thinking ‘all right, now it’s time to make things happen, Widmer.’ I had a strong start and up the first hill we were all in a super tight pack and I was roughly positioned in second, with a Norwegian (bib 5) in front of me. There’s always a lot of jostling going on, and I should’ve played my tactics a little different. I was right in the middle of everything, so when a Swede (bib 25) in my heat tried to cut in, I was in her way and fell to my hands and knees. It all happened really fast and I was only on my hands and knees for a split second it seemed, but that was enough time for the pack to be long gone. I hammered for the next long climb, but go figure, they were hammering just as hard and I couldn’t make up for the lost time. I finished my heat in 5th place, 22nd overall.
Tell us about the atmosphere and the venue in Hinterzarten.
HW: The organizers and volunteers here are very together and with it. The actual skiing takes place at Notschrei, which is about 30 minutes from Hinterzarten. The venue is fairly new and their trails are very wide with great snow, and the terrain makes for some challenging racing. They are very welcoming as well, and we had a lot of Canadian supporters out there which is great to feel when you’re racing away from home.
What about the courses and conditions?
HW: The elevation here is really low, we’re racing at about 1,000m. So that means we’re pretty vulnerable to any kind of weather. When we first got here, we were racing under blue skies then for the championships we’ve had a lot of fog and quite a bit of snow and wind. The courses hold up really well though as they do a lot of grooming and maintenance to make sure they’re tip top. The courses are challenging, but accommodating for all levels of skiers as well.
How are things going for both the Canadian and US teams – what’s the team energy like?
HW: Some of the Canadian team athletes suffered from a stomach flu before the championships, but it didn’t seem to affect our results too much. The American team is really strong this year, distance and sprinting. Ida Sargent coming 4th in the sprint was really great to see for North America.
What was your focus or goal at the championships?
HW: My main goal going into the championship was to make it into the B-Final, I didn’t make it, but definitely gained from the experience. No doubt.
Is there an Olympic buzz happening over there?
HW: Olympic buzz is happ’nin’. A lot of the locals who see the Canadian jackets greet us with smiles and “oooh Vancouver 2010”. It’s great to be representing a country that’s going to be hosting the World in a few weeks time. It makes me extra proud.
All the best with the rest of the season.
HW: Thanks.