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Therese Johaug doesn’t think Charlotte Kalla will be her toughest competitor this winter.
The Norwegian star has increased respect for some of the younger Swedish skiers.
– Sweden should trust others other than Charlotte Kalla, he says.
Therese Johaug, 32, and Charlotte Kalla, 33, have been tough competitors for more than ten years.
It’s been three years since the Swede won a World Cup race on skis.
However, changes in training have increased Charlotte Kalla’s optimism for the season.
Still, Therese Johaug doesn’t mention the veteran Swede when talking about the worst competitors this winter.
– Sweden has a strong team, they will go fast. They probably train very well, Frida Karlsson and Ebba Andersson, we can count on them to be in good shape. They’ll be on the absolute top, Therese Johaug tells Verdens Gang.
Move along
The Norwegian newspaper notes that Charlotte Kalla has regained her confidence.
– It’s good. I still think the younger girls were really accused, says Therese Johaug.
VG goes on to ask whether Sweden should trust younger riders.
– Yes. They are at a developing age and can make big strides, says Therese Johaug.
Photo: BILDBYRÅN
Kalla and Johaug.
Better mood
Norway coach Ole Morten Iversen agrees with Therese Joahug in her assessment of the opposition.
Ole Morten Iversen says it’s obvious to Frida Karlsson and Ebba Andersson that they have come close to the top, he thinks Charlotte Kalla is a joker.
– Charlotte Kalla has made changes without returning, so you must accept that we have doubts about her. She has still gotten better at handling the valleys, they have gotten smaller. The mood swings are not as severe as they were a few years ago. I’m impressed with how he’s handled adversity, but I’m amazed he’s back to that level when he was at his best. He can still shine in individual competitions, says Ole Morten Iversen.
17 days to premiere
Therese Johaug won every distance race last season except for the last three miles at Holmenkollen when Frida Karlsson was ahead of her at the finish and Ebba Andersson finished third.
Therese Johaug won the overall World Cup against compatriot Heidi Weng and Russia’s Natalya Neprjajeva.
Ebba Andersson was the best Swede with her seventh place, in the distance cup she was third after the two Norwegians.
Linn Svahn and Jonna Sundling were first and second in the Sprint World Cup.
The premiere of this winter’s world cup will take place in Ruka, Finland, on the weekend of November 27-29.
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