Olympic cross-country snow feels like styrofoam, German skier says

Pyeongchang, South Korea (dpa) - The snow at the Pyeongchang Olympics is very different to that found in Europe and other areas, according to German cross-country skier Stefanie Boehler on Thursday."It feels like skiing on styrofoam," Boehler told reporters ahead of starting her fourth Winter Games on Saturday in the skiathlon.Athletes have said the snow is colder and dryer than elsewhere, with freezing conditions and at times strong winds adding to the challenge on the slopes, which are partly on a local golf course.Boehler said she is aiming for a top-15 finish and believes that Norwegian veteran ski queen Marit Bjoergen can rule the Games again and can become the most successful Winter Olympian of all time."She wouldn‘t be here if she wasn‘t sure of herself," Boehler said of the six-time gold medallist and 18-time world champion. Looking at competing against the Russians who are only allowed in as neutrals, Boehler said: "It is a normal relationship. I met cross-country skier Alexander Panzhinskiy and we talked about the white scarf of his uniform."Team-mate Victoria Carl added: "I expect those who are here to be clean. I don‘t know how I would feel if I had to compete under a neutral flag. They appear cool on the outside but I believe it is killing them."