PHOTO: Bildbyrån
Frida Karlsson and Ebba Andersson were two of the favorites to win the Tour de Ski before the season.
But after the problems in the national skiing team, there is concern for the skiers.
– Still not back to normal, says Norwegian expert Torgeir Björn to VG.
Both Frida Karlsson and Ebba Andersson started the season in the best way. During the world cup premiere, there was a podium for Frida and a victory for Ebba.
Before the Tour
Karlsson also made it to the final in the sprint. In the 20 kilometer freestyle, Ebba and Frida made it to a stable fifth and sixth place. After that, Andersson has worked hard and continued to deliver in the World Cup. So far, she has taken five podium places, including three victories. Frida Karlsson, on the other hand, was infected with covid-19 after the premiere and hasn’t really gotten back into the same shape as before.
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On Saturday, the highlight of the season, the Tour de Ski, kicks off in Toblach, Italy. It is a championship-free year, and the competition is therefore seen as a little extra important this year. The “tour” then runs until January 7. Several Swedes are seen as favorites to win races, but also the entire competition.
The criticism in Norway
As reigning champion, Frida Karlsson returns with a favorite stamp, and after her start to the season, Ebba Andersson is definitely in the discussion. But the competitions come at the same time just after Andersson has been declared healthy from corona, and that Frida has not yet found her way back to form.
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It is seen as a major disadvantage in some quarters.
– It creates uncertainty, both for Ebba and the rest of the Swedish squad. The consequences of corona affect individuals. Some are back on their feet after a few days, others take several months before they are back to normal. The latest example is Frida Karlsson. It’s been about a month since she got corona, and she’s still not back to normal. It has also had an impact Johannes Hösflot Kläbo this season, says the Norwegian NRK expert Torgeir Björn to VG.
READ MORE: Ebba Andersson now comes with the wonderful message – with days left to the Tour de Ski: “Guess who…”
New favorite
The former skier has now changed his preference for the Tour de Ski.
– Before the season, I would say it was between Frida Karlsson and Andersson. Now it can point in the direction of Jessie Diggins from the USA, says Björn to the Norwegian newspaper.
The American has also started the season strongly and is currently leading the World Cup.
Who do you think will win the Tour de Ski? Share the article and have your say!
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