Andrus Veerpalu announced in Vancouver that these were his last Olympics, but Jaak Mae didn't want to give comments on the issue until the end of this season.
Jaak Mae and Andrus Veerpalu have been strong leaders of Estonian men's skiing for the last three Olympic cycles. Mae showed good results and great potential to fight for the medals first time ever in Nagano. Veerpalu took his first medal at the Ramsau World Championships in 1999. Thereafter they have had the privilege to step on the podium at World Championships, World Cups and at the Olympic Games for several times.
Now Veerpalu admitted that he will not be competing at Olympics anymore, whereas Mae was not wanting to comment on the subject. Both skiers are more than aware of their age and diminishing possibilities to fight for the medals at title competitions. Big decisions are to be made at the end of this season.
- "Next races are in Lahti. Even tho there's a pursuit race, I think I'll try there as well. I'm plannig some more starts this season - probably not the free style race in Holmenkollen. But where there is some classic - I think I will participate," said Veerpalu about the rest of his season.
- "I won't say anything now. I need to look at things calmly and decide what's going to happen. I don't think that I have the strength to do it this seriously anymore. But I wouldn't like to "half-ass" anything either. We'll see what the thoughts are at the end of the season," said Veerpalu when asked about his future and the possibility of racing at the Oslo World Championships next year.
Question to Jaak Mae from ETV: "The Olympics are over, what can we expect from the rest of the season and can we see you racing next season as well?"
- "I don't know the answer to the last question right now. I'll finish this season and then decide. I'm planning to race the relay in Lahti and the long distance race in Holmenkollen. And then Estoninan Nationals at the end of March - at least a month and a half, as long as there's some snow left," was Mae's answer.
Skierpost.com/ETV
Photo: Eesti Suusaliit
