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1 of 3 | Photo: Per Danielsson / TT
Ebba Andersson and Frida Karlsson at an internal ski competition with the women’s national team in early 2020.
Without the Norwegians on the starting field, Frida Karlsson and Ebba Andersson are the big favorites on the Tour de Ski, which begins on New Year’s Day.
– It’s great to receive questions about the chances of winning already on your first Ski Tour, says Frida Karlsson to TT.
The best skier in the world, Norway’s Therese Johaug, will not race the Tour de Ski because the crown pandemic keeps Norway out of the competition. Ebba Andersson thinks it’s a shame, but she also sees opportunities.
– I personally, and I think I speak on behalf of many, I think it is more fun when the best are involved. It will be missing, Ebba Andersson tells TT.
But the lack of Norwegians really opens up for Swedes.
– I can not compete against someone who is not. We are a lot of strong girls who want to fight at the top, says Frida Karlsson.
Karlsson makes his debut
Karlsson makes her debut in the context of the Tour de Ski, something she has dreamed of since she was little.
– I’m so excited. In youth training, you did a pull up a hill and told yourself it was the killer hill, then you got a real boost, says Karlsson.
Andersson made his tour debut in January and believes he can build on his experiences from there.
– I know what it means to compete so closely with a little recovery involved. It’s tough, both physically and mentally. You have to recharge quickly, regardless of the result, says the 23-year-old.
“The best design in the world”
For Swedish ladies, there have been some World Cup competitions since the premiere in Ruka just over a month ago. Instead, it has become a mix of rest, training, and internal competitions.
– I think it has become the best approach in the world. It was good to have a good training period, says Karlsson, and he receives support from his national teammate:
– Now you have time to work on certain things individually, but also compete with each other, says Andersson.
They do not believe that the long competitive break will affect the possibilities at the circuit.
– No, my body trains so hard that it doesn’t make any difference immediately. First you train down, then you rest, and then you want to reach the best shape. Now I just want to feel like it’s spreading up my legs, says Karlsson.
The race will look different when Johaug is not with him.
– You’ve gotten used to Therese taking over in the race. It’s about keeping the pace for as long as possible, haha. Now it will be a different character in the race, I think, says Andersson.
New winning nation
In addition to Norway, the great nations are involved, and otherwise Karlsson and Andersson enter an ordinary starting field. They believe that the competition management has handled logistics well, something that is important in times of pandemic.
– It seems that you have found good solutions with transport and housing. So I feel safe with that, says Karlsson.
– Personally, I am glad that we have found solutions to drive, it is one of the highlights of the season, says Andersson.
For the past seven years, Norway has been at the top of the podium at the Tour de Ski. This time it won’t be like that.
– It should not affect much, as long as you put the label with the number, it will be special. But it’s great to get questions about the chances of winning already on your first Ski Tour, says Karlsson and laughs.
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