Sebastian Samuelsson has started the season with a victory and a third place in the World Cup. But after contracting covid and missing the last three races, he is now tenth overall.
– Eight competitions have been decided, that’s almost half the season. It is clear that it is a big advantage to have a lot of points now, says the 26-year-old.
Missing an entire race weekend will be costly because no race can be counted out of the overall standings.
– But it’s not something I can do anything about, I’ve done everything I can to stay healthy and unfortunately I got sick. That’s how it is. It’s still early and a lot can happen, others can get sick too.
“Made that mistake last year”
At the same time, says Samuelsson, it is important not to stress back too soon.
– I made that mistake last year in Annecy, when I came last I think in the mass start. Then I was sick for another ten days, I don’t think I have time for that now. I want to be able to train well over Christmas and New Year and come back strong in Oberhof. But it’s clear, it’s stressful with the overall World Cup.
From the beginning, the idea was that Samuelsson would celebrate Christmas at a high altitude in Livigno and then go to Seefeld, at a lower altitude, during the New Year. But with the covid infection, the plans have been changed and he went straight to Seefeld.
– The basic plan was to go up to a high altitude. Partly it is good in the long term, but I also think it could have been positive for me, he says.
– Even though I’m someone who often feels a little heavier at altitude, I can usually get in very good shape after I’ve been at altitude. I think it would have been really fun to have that boost in January. Now it won’t be like that, but it can still be good.