24.11.2018

Will Pederson make his mark on the history of the Jizerská 50? “I’m going to the Czech Republic for my fourth triumph,” the Norwegian says

Morten Eide Pedersen, the ambitious Norwegian cross-country skier, will celebrate his 31^st birthday before Christmas. Two months later, he may find a place in the chronicles of Czech cross-country skiing. After three consecutive victories in the Jizerská 50, Pederson could become the first person in the history of the race to achieve four wins in the modern era, when it is part of international series. “Everyone dreams of ranking among the legends. Will I joint them in Bedřichov? I will do everything in my power for that,” says the amiable Norwegian.

Jizerská 50 will start at the stadium in Bedřichov on Sunday, 10 February. Will the fans see you at the starting line?
Of course, I’m counting on it. It will be one of the highlights of the winter season for me.

What do you have to say about the fact that you can make an indelible mark on the history of the race and be the first participant to win it four times in the modern era?
It would be an honour for me to find a place in the history of such an important race. I respect all of my opponents, but I would like to defeat them this year.

You have three victories in the Visma Ski Classics series. All three are from the Czech race. How is it that you haven’t come in first anywhere else?
The trail in the Jizera Mountains suits me. It is rather hilly and relatively narrow. There are a lot of people around, the atmosphere there is perfect. Everything is a good fit for me at the Jizerská 50. Maybe it’s that, maybe luck. Everything will come together.

Do you know anything about the Czech Republic besides the race?
I was on a school excursion to Prague in the past. I have beautiful memories of that. Besides the Jizerská 50, I also competed in the cross-country skiing world championship in 2009, for example.

During your last victory in the Jizerská, you showed three fingers. Do you have a gesture prepared for 2019?
(laughter) I haven’t thought about that at all, but I would like to raise four fingers to the sky. That would mean that I did it. That’s what I would wish for.

Who will be your greatest opponent?
As in past years, two or three racers from the Ragde team (Aukland, Nygaard, Gjerdalen), Tore Berdal from the Koteng team and Ilja Černousov from Lukáš Bauer. Fortunately, I’m on a team with Simen Østensen and Petter Eliassen, who achieved good results in the Jizerská 50 in the past. I believe that they will help me to again defeat tough opponents.

Do you know any Czech competitors? How tough will the competition be?
Lukáš Bauer and Stanislav Řezáč are both amazing athletes. I like them a lot and I’m a fan of theirs. But Lukáš perhaps isn’t going to race and Standa isn’t among the favourites.  But he’ll be racing at home and anything can happen. It’s going to be fun.