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From: Anna Rydén, Petra Thorén
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RUKA. Last night, plans were made at the Swedish hotel in Ruka.
The hunt for Therese Johaug will be a blue-yellow affair.
– There are some hungry wolves coming from behind, so it will be difficult but I will do my best, he tells Sportbladet.
When Sportbladet contacted the national team coach, Anders Byström, on Saturday night, the team had celebrated the weekend’s podium spots with roll cake.
But do not worry. There was no sense of satiety among the riders, which Therese Johaug knows before Sunday’s freestyle hunt begins.
– I know it will be difficult if you say so. There are some hungry wolves coming up behind so it will be difficult, but I will do my best, says Johaug.
Photo: TOMI HÄNNINEN / BILDBYRÅN
Between stings, plans are made on how the Swedes will hunt in flocks.
– We talk about it in the meeting now. I can’t reveal what we said, but you can help. We have some aces up our sleeves, says national team manager Anders Byström.
Russians will make it hard
There are four Swedes: Frida Karlsson, Maja Dahlqvist, Ebba Andersson and Linn Svahn who are looking for the Norwegian along with two Russians.
Karlsson and Russia’s Natalia Nepryaeva start 16 seconds behind the Norwegian. Then comes Russian Tatiana Sorina with Maja Dahlqvist tucked into her heel (20 seconds behind Johaug). Then comes Linn Svahn (24 seconds) and Ebba Andersson (30 seconds).
– Therese will probably make her own run, but it can be tough to lead with such a big lead. We know what Frida can do and Maja is quick in the end. Russians can go uphill and we may let them work there. Then we will see what we can do on the long downhill slope, says Byström.
“Prepared foam”
Frida Karlsson and Maja Dahlqvist share a room and were determined to continue making plans together.
Photo: TOMI HÄNNINEN / BILDBYRÅN
– Hopefully we can take advantage of the strengths of others, says Frida Karlsson who is strong uphill and can take advantage of Maja Dahlqvist’s downward push
Linn Svahn is also willing to contribute if she catches up.
– There are quite a few Swedish skiers nearby. We are strong as a team and we can benefit from the strengths of others, I think it can be a good day. I hope for a good hunting position so that I can sharpen the horns even worse, says Linn Svahn.
If successful, Maja Dahlqvist and Frida Karlsson drink champagne to cool off.
– Frida had been prepared with foam but it is only in case of victory that she applies so we have saved her, says Dahlqvist.
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