Pellegrino is not disappointed: "I knew how hard it would be, we're aiming for the sprint team"

Oberstdorf 2021: the Aosta Valley rider after the elimination in the semifinal of the world sprint. "I gave it my all, but the Norwegians were much stronger."

Thursday 25 February 2021 2 minutes reading time

Gold in Lahti 2017, silver in Seefeld 2019, but in both cases free technique. It was clear how hard today would be for Federico Pellegrino, with the world champion sprint in classic that opened the world event in Oberstdorf 2021: the elimination in the second semifinal, which ended in last place (11th final for Chicco), leaves obviously a bit 'of bitterness, but the Aosta Valley champion was well aware of the situation. "Even today I was there to play for a prestigious position, albeit in classical technique, and I gave my best - the words released by the ace Azzurro at physi.org - I have prepared two years for this race, I have a bit disappointment for the result but not for the commitment we have lavished throughout this period of rapprochement. Today I had many stronger opponents than me, the Norwegians have proved their worth, they are clearly superior and the result is right. However, it makes me proud to have reached at least the semifinals in all six world sprints in which I participated, today I understood the value of the silver won at the Korean Olympics three years ago. Now let's think about the sprint team on Sunday, the objective remains the medal because there will be only one in Norway and even Francesco De Fabiani, after today's crash, will have a great desire for redemption ”.

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