Italian top Cross-Country skier and the biggest medal hope for Oslo 2011, Pietro Piller Cottrer moves today to Sweden for the season opener in Gällivare .
Squadra Azzura spent seven days in Finnish Muonio at the final stage of the preparation phase for the opening World Cup racing weekend. In order to get to the racing momentum the Italian team took part in the FIS competitions that were carried out last weekend in Muonio.
Satisfied with Muonio Test Races
Pietro Piller Cottrer placed 16th in Saturday’s classic competition and led the Italians as 5th in the skating race on Sunday. “I am quite satisfied with my performance last weekend in Muonio” says Piller Cottrer. Even though he is known to be weaker in classic Pietro delivered a decent performance. “I’m happy with the classic race. Of course my competitors delivered higher pace and frequency but on the other hand I was able to stick to Tobi Angerer for more than 6 km” explains Piller Cottrer.
He is known as excellent skater and his hopes lie in Oslo’s 50 km Mass Start Free. “At Sunday’s free technique race my pace was much better but still not 100%. Eventually I finished 5th which may seem as not successful but the time gap on winner was not so huge. Taking into account it was my first racing weekend this season I am satisfied” he quoted.
Top 10 in Gällivare
With the season opener coming close the Italian team moves to Sweden today. Being no exception Piller Cottrer looks forward to the first race of the season, which will be carried out in favorite free technique. “I hope to end up in top 10 or maybe even better” concludes smiling Piller Cottrer.
World Cup program in Gällivare starts this Saturday with 10/15 km Ladies and Men Free individual start. FIS Cross-Country World Cup continues on Sunday with 4x5 km Ladies and 4x10 Men.
