Hear Edvin Anger about his podium chances in the player above.
The Swede is currently second overall after a monster race in Toblach. Now, continued good results in Val di Fiemme in Italy are required for the 22-year-old to be able to take Sweden’s first podium on the men’s side since Marcus Hellner in 2015.
Earlier today, last year’s winner and current third overall of the Tour de Ski Harald Östberg Amundsen threw in the towel due to cold symptoms. Anger now has almost a minute down to the new third.
– I know that I need as much time as possible to even have a chance on the last hill. I probably need a minute or so to third and fourth to feel that I have a real chance on the podium, says Anger.
But national team manager Anders Byström thinks he plays down his chances too much.
– It sounds a bit defensive, he has shown good form. I think he doesn’t need several minutes.
Additional major races are required
The stages in Val di Fiemme start with sprints, which is usually the Angers parade event.
– Tomorrow I know I can go fast if I have good gear, but I also know that on Saturday’s skiathlon I will have to do one of the races of my life to be there and not lose seconds, says Anger.
The Tour de Ski concludes with 10 kilometers of freestyle and the classic climb up Alpe Cermis on Sunday.
Overall leader is Johannes Hösflot Kläbo.