PHOTO: Bildbyrån
The Swedish skiers got a taste of the ski season when it really kicked off in Finland’s Ruka.
Ebba Andersson took home the victory during Saturday’s distance race ahead of Frida Karlsson – and the Swedes then took the opportunity to send a pass to the Norwegian riders.
– They lead the total, but we lead the medal league, says Frida Karlsson to Norwegian NRK.
It was a successful weekend for the Swedish part in Ruka when the ski season finally started for real. During Friday, there was a Swedish double on the podium on the women’s side, and the weekend then continued with victories for both Ebba Andersson and Frida Karlsson in the distance races.
“Thinks he’s cocky”
Ebba Andersson was of course satisfied with her first place during Saturday’s race.
– It was a tough battle as you could see, but it was just a matter of giving everything towards the finish line, Andersson told Norwegian NRK after the victory.
There was also the occasional slip of the tongue at each other over the weekend, just as it should be when the ski season is underway.
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The Norwegian coach Stig Rune Kveen said that the Norwegian skiers sleep better at night than the Swedes do, a statement to which the Swedes gave a speech.
– I slept very well, so there is no danger. I feel safe in what I do. They lead the total, but we lead the medal league, says Frida Karlsson.
Also Emma Ribom – who took his first World Cup victory during Friday’s sprint – responded to speech.
– We show that we are a good team. There is no doubt about that. I think he is a bit cocky, says Ribom to NRK about the Norwegian coach’s behavior.
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Norway outside the podium
During Saturday’s race, the best was a fourth place for the Norwegian riders, when Anne Kjersti Kalvå ended up just outside the podium. Something that she was not particularly happy with after the finish.
– I’m a little upset, it’s so close to the podium. But it’s getting closer, I have to try to take one more step next time, she says.
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The coach Stig Rune Kveen then took the opportunity to send a final pass to the Swedes before continuing.
– Now the Swedes see that we will have a lot to do with them in the future, it gives us a lot of motivation and self-confidence.
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