The Great Game: ‘There is so much energy in this race’

How was your race?

I never before found my line like this year. I had way more confidence in my flying. I think it’s also because I won the X-Pyr last year, that gave me a confidence boost. In 2023 [6th place] I was also very good in the race. But in the end it was also like a pack and I could not fly my line there. I couldn’t separate from the others. This year I made it. And that made the difference in the ranking.

Looking back at the start, what was your goal for this year’s race?

It’s very cool to be on the podium, it wouldn’t be true if I say it doesn’t matter at all. But that was not my goal. It was to be as fast as I possibly can. And I knew from the previous races that if I can get my skills to work, then I can achieve a good place.

How do you deal with the fear and the mental side of the race?

One strength I trained a lot is trying to stay positive, even if...