For Sebastian Samuelsson, the season started with a Swedish victory in the single mixed relay and also a victory in the pursuit start when the World Cup was in place in Östersund for two weekends.
Since then it has mostly been heavier and not least towards the end. During the last weekend’s competitions in Ruhpolding and Antholz, Samuelsson’s best individual placing is 13th place.
– I had a few tougher weeks, especially in Antholz, where I shot very poorly. In the last race I got 18 hits on the mass start and it was very nice. Since then, I have had some very good shooting sessions here at home. I’ve never been worried about the shooting in the long run, but it’s clear that in that situation it’s frustrating, says Samuelsson.
“A cool feeling”
Next week, the WC starts in the Czech Nove Mesto. And even though things have been tough in the World Cup, Samuelsson goes there with a good feeling.
– I like this period before championships. I feel almost every day when I wake up that my body feels a little better than the day before.
Ahead of last year’s WC in Oberhof, Samuelsson said he had a medal chance in every race he would compete in. When the championships were summed up, he stepped onto the podium in three of four individual races.
– Many people laughed at me when I said that, because I had had a tough season. I see that I have just as good a chance this year, but biathlon is such a sport where things change quickly and you can do good races without getting any medals.
Piken: “In shape too early”
In the World Cup this season, Norway has completely dominated the men’s side. No less than six Norwegians top the World Cup before we find the first Swede in Martin Ponsiluoma in seventh place.
A Norwegian team that has all the pressure on them, says Samuelsson.
– They have all the pressure on them as they have performed so incredibly well and are big favourites. But I got a little feeling in Antholz that they are in form too early, so we’ll see if the form holds or if they have a slump coming.