Facts: The World Cup in Toblach
Friday: Sprint, freestyle (ladies and men)
12.00: Prologue
14.30: Finals
Saturday: 10 kilometers, freestyle, individual start
13.00: Ladies
15.00: Gentlemen
Sunday: Relay, 4×7.5 kilometers, classic/freestyle
11.00am: Ladies
13.00: Gentlemen
One thing can be said about Linn Svahn: she never doubted herself.
— Now that it’s done, it’s nice and good, now we look ahead, says Svahn, referring to the WC selection.
National team manager Anders Byström pointed out during the season that it is the knife against Linn Svahn’s throat. She needed to perform immediately for it to be the WC.
Svahn competes in Toblach before the WC
And she performed. Fine World Cup performances in especially sprints – fifth in Livigno just over two weeks ago and fourth in Les Rousses last weekend have given the ski star the long-awaited championship ticket.
— It goes without saying that I always thought I would come along, but it was necessary for me to go fast, and I have done that.
TT: How is the daily routine?
— Good. It is very nice to be back and be able to compete. The feeling I’ve had matches well with how I perform.
“Can hit in all directions”
But the WC in all its glory, this weekend there are competitions in Toblach, Italy – and that is where Svahn’s focus lies.
— I want to feel that I’m taking it step by step, and I think I’ve done that so far. I want to feel like I’m up there fighting for podiums. I have taken the opportunity to train a lot since we arrived here because the training conditions have been very good. I want to push extra hard to get in as good shape as possible in the WC.
TT: What are your expectations for the weekend?
– I do not really know. It can hit in any direction. But I hope it’s a step better than last weekend.
Striving for revenge
Linn Svahn knows what it takes to take a podium place. She admits that she is close to top form, but at the same time points out:
— It is mostly the media that has built up that image, that I have not been at the same level as before. I feel that I am exactly where I want to be, I think that I am at a very good level. I know I have more to pick.
Now she looks ahead. Linn Svahn wants revenge after the WC 2021, when she was the favorite for gold, but went out in the sprint semi.
— I have high expectations. If I go fast, I think it will go far. I will have revenge.
The WC in Slovenian Planica will be held from 22 February to 5 March.