“With time, I hope to give Jarl a fight for the yellow bib!”

Norway’s Espen Bjørnstad was one of the positive surprises of the season: The 25-year-old firmly established himself in the World Cup Top Ten and achieved his first-ever podium positions in 2018/19, as well as bringing home a team gold medal from Seefeld. For TUESDAY TALK, Bjørnstad talks about the experience of winning a medal, the big changes and dynamics in the Norwegian team and his ambitious goals for next winter.

It looked like you had a fun experience at Bysprinten in Mosjøen two weeks ago. Can you tell us a little bit about it?

Espen Bjørnstad: Mosjøen was a fun and really busy. We were there with our sponsor Helgelands Kraft from Wednesday onwards and they gave us a lot of fun experiences. One day, we went fishing in the fjord, and the other we went mountaineering. We finished the weekend with a sprint in the centre of Mosjøen where we were fighting with some of the best cross-country skiers, and of course a great party after that.

Looking back at your last winter, it can well and truly be said that you had your big breakthrough, cracking the Top Ten of the World Cup overall and getting your first podium results, as well as your first World Championship medal. Looking back, is there any moment that is especially outstanding for you?

Bjørnstad: My best moment this season was the team event in Seefeld. I have never been that nervous before a race day, so too get that gold was just amazing.

With some of the big names like Magnus Moan and Jan Schmid retiring, the Norwegian team is in the process of changing quite a bit these days. What would you say have these two experienced athletes given you/helped you with most over the years?

Bjørnstad: Yes, the team has been going through some changes over the last few years, thats for sure.

When I was growing up, Magnus was my biggest idol and in my second or third year in high school, I was lucky to get both of them, Jan and Magnus, as part time coaches. And that gave me a lot of motivation at a time when I really needed it.

With 25 years, you are almost on the older spectrum of the team now, with a lot of young guys coming in. How do you see your role in the team?

Bjørnstad: Luckily I’m not in the “older” part of the team just yet. (laughs) I have only had one year in the A-team but I have quickly grown to feel like an important part of the team. I feel that I bring a lot of good vibes and I maybe add a thing or two to the table at some other areas as well. (laughs)

And last but not least the always well-loved question: what are your goals for the upcoming summer and winter season? =)

Bjørnstad: My goal for the upcoming season is to keep improving. I want to fight for a top 3 position in the overall and with time I hope to give Jarl a fight for the yellow bib in a few years.