Photo: Bildbyrån
Frida Karlsson won Sunday’s 20 km mass start and Ebba Andersson came second.
Even though there were happy faces afterwards, things were a bit tense between them during the race.
– It was actually an uncomfortable and difficult situation, says Ebba Andersson to Expressen.
Sunday was a wonderful Swedish day for our cross-country skiers. First succeeded Frida Karlsson – who made a comeback after the setback with the foot injury – took home the victory in the mass start, right in front Ebba Andersson. Then tricks William Poromaa his first ever World Cup victory immediately after.
Ebba could not help Frida
It was an incredible message of strength from Frida Karlsson, who once again shows that when she is allowed to be healthy and able to compete, she does extremely well, just like during the premiere weekend in Ruka. During the mass start in Les Rousses, the 25-year-old turned up the pace early on, only Ebba Andersson was able to ride along.
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But after half the race, she had to pull the heaviest load all by herself. Ebba couldn’t bear to hang on. Frida had then asked her in the track if she wanted to help with traction – something Ebba refused then and there.
– I asked if she wanted to pull a little. She replied: “No, I don’t want that.” But roles have been changed in the past, so you have to take it when you’re a bit more energetic, says Frida to Expressen.
Ebba Andersson apologizes
Ebba herself blames her behavior on the fact that she was terribly tired and simply could not help Frida.
– I was totally blown away then, actually. Then my legs said thank you and hello for the day. I don’t know if I was that much help. I told her, you have better glide than me and are stronger than me. Im sorry!, she explains.
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Instead, she had to focus on keeping her second place and not giving up Teresa Stadlober pass her by. She managed to grab the first podium of the year.
– It was an inconvenient, difficult situation, actually. That it lies and oscillates like that, between five and ten seconds – a downhill slope and right what it is, you have her up on your back. But I really just tried to work at my own pace, says Ebba.
Big congratulations on the victory, Frida! What a message of strength! Also great that Ebba came on the podium for the first time this season. It bodes well for the coming weeks.
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