- Apr 10, 2019
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Yeah, you're pretty spot on about the Americans. I thing they also should have gone with Brennan-Diggins in the teamsprint, if they wanted to have an actual chance to fight for gold. That said, it was a small chance and it was probably smart to rest Brennan after that Skiathlon crash, after all she's gonna ski all other races.The classic legs will be easier, so I expect Gimmler to hang on with the leaders. If she does, then Carl will be the one that makes or breaks their medal aspirations. She was in a battle for bronze two years ago, but couldn’t quite hang on on the 2nd lap, the Burgstall hill was tough. Just like two years ago, the skate legs will be harder, so we’ll see how she’ll cope this time round.
I am not too high on the Finns. Matintalo isn’t in form. If she can hang and give Niskanen a chance to ski with the leaders or doesn’t lose too much time, they could fight for the medals.
For the Americans it’s simple, don’t lose too much in the classic legs. Also I am not convinced Kern will have the strength to respond to pace changes on the harder lap.
Last year Stupak pushed the pace early in the opening leg and only Germany was able to stay close. That proved to be decisive. Wonder if anyone will try something similar. I hope so.
Will be funny if the Italians of all people turn out to be the ones who wanna push the pace in the first leg.