Meet the athletes - Even Hersleth
The Norwegian athlete Even Hersleth is one of this years favourites. He has done remarkably well in the Norwegian triathlon series this year. We had a talk to him four weeks before the race.
- What are your expectations regarding your own race before this years Norseman Xtreme Triathlon?
My expectations regarding my preformance in Norseman have been changed several times over the last months. I began with triathlon this year, after some years in cycling. Since I had no idea about the my level compared to the other competitors in Noreman, I was at first very reserved with my own expectations.
At this moment I can say I have a bit more experience with triathlon, and therfore it is easier to compare the level of the other participants. Based on the past competitions I feel like I might have a chance to be part of the front group in Norseman. But I will also point out that I have great respect for all the competitiors in Norseman, as well as the course. I will therefore not put any big pressure on my self, and just try to do my absolute best. On raceday, we will se the result.
- What do you fear in this years Norseman, what could ruin your own performance?
As I mentioned earlier, I have great respect for the Norseman course. But the toughness of the course is also what I am really looking forward to. The main aspects to consider in Norseman for me would be to constantly get nutrition, and also pace my energy right. With good preparations I hope this will end good.
- Why did you choose to race Norseman this year?
Noreman was actually the main reason I started with triathlon this year. I have always been amased with this sport, and Norseman has been seen as the ultimate challenge for me. Before I started with cycling, I was in doubts whether I should start with triathlon or cycling. Because of a good cycling enviroment in Bergen where I have been a student the past five years, cycling became the choice. In my final year as a student I wanted to make my dream about Norseman come true, so therefore I started with triathlon training the autumn in 2009. The focus was to learn how to swim :), and further participate in Norsemanat a respectable time.
For last, I would like to wish everybody good luck in this years Norseman!
