PHOTO: Bildbyrån
Emma Ribom and Jonna Sundling were superior in the World Cup premiere.
Kristine Stavå’s Skistad came third in the sprint.
Now there is great criticism in Norway.
On the men’s side, not a single Swede made it to the semifinals. But on the women’s side, there were (as usual) great Swedish successes when it was time for sprints in classic style, in the World Cup premiere in Ruka.
Swedish success
There were a total of four Swedish women who made it to the final – Emma Ribom, Jonna Sundling, Lynn Svahn and Frida Karlsson. After making a big impression in the semi-finals, it was also Ribom and Sundling who were in the running for the final. Just like last year, it was Ribom who took home the victory, followed by Jonna.
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In third place came Kristine Stavå’s Ski City, which was never really close to challenging for first or second place. The 24-year-old went on as a “lucky loser” in the semi-finals. Stavås Skistad was still satisfied with his effort.
– It was so good that I was able to perform today, so I have to be satisfied that I got what I had. I probably need to be in top form to beat the Swedes on such a tough course, she tells Viaplay after the finish.
Norwegian criticism
Norwegian Viaplay’s ski expert Niklas Dyrhaug however, disagreed with Stavås Skistad that it was a good performance.
– She shows some signs of weakness, he says in the broadcast.
Stavås Skistad was also the only Norwegian in the final. Lotta Udnes Weng went out already in the prologue. Ingrid Andrea Gulbrandsen, Ane Appelvkist Stenseth, Mathilde Myhrvold and Anna Svendsen everyone had to thank themselves after the quarter-finals.
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The weak efforts from the Norwegians are now receiving strong criticism.
– It’s disappointing, we have to be honest about that. It’s a wake-up call, says Niklas Dyrhaug.
On the other hand, things went better for the Norwegian men, where five Norwegians made it to the final. There were also two podium places, then Erik Valnes won and Johannes Hösflot Kläbo came third.
READ MORE: Norwegian giant tribute to the Swedish super talent Alvar Myhlback – after the tough poke from the World Cup
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