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Katharina Hennig in Ruka, November 2021
Photo:
KIMMO BRANDT / EPA
Cross-country skier Katharina Hennig will start the fifth stage of the Tour de Ski on Monday with justified hopes for a top 10 final result.
The classic-style 10-kilometer mass start race in Val di Fiemme is her favorite race, the track on Lago di Tesero her favorite competition location.
"I'm taking a lot of motivation with me to Italy after things went so well in Oberstdorf," said the Oberwiesenthaler.
In fact, the two competitions on New Year's and New Year's Day indicated what Hennig was capable of.
Sixth place in the 10 kilometer mass start race in the rather unpopular free technique and a very strong sprint prologue give the 25-year-old hope.
"The shape is back after I doubted something in Lenzerheide," said Hennig.
She hadn't put up with a cold before Christmas as well as she'd hoped.
Now the two final stages are the routes on which she can best show off her technique and her iron will.
For the 14th place in the overall standings, it is quite possible to make it into the top ten, especially since some - especially good sprinters - drop out of the tour early.
That also happens in the German camp.
Among other things, Coletta Rydzek, who was twelfth best DSV runner in the sprint, is no longer there as planned due to further preparations for the Olympic Games.
Laura Gimmler and Florian Notz, on the other hand, involuntarily resigned due to cold symptoms and Jonas Dobler due to circulatory problems.
“It's not that bad, but it comes at an inopportune time.
Florian and Laura each fulfilled half an Olympic standard.
The cold, it's not a corona, throws them back a little.
The removal of Jonas was purely a precautionary measure, «said the sports director, Andreas Schlütter.
ara / dpa
