In December 2023, Ebba Andersson last took a victory in the World Cup. And this season, her form has been at least said to be swinging. Something that has taken a hard toll on the Swedish skiing star.
At times, it has been incredibly frustrating, and almost so that I start wondering if it's worth continuing with this when the small setbacks almost outweigh all the joyful moments, says Andersson to Viaplay and continues:
But there has still been some faith in me that this is not... I haven't "peaked" 100 percent yet.
Something the 27-year-old showed to the highest degree during the 10-kilometer classical event at home in Falun in the World Championship rehearsal.
"Tough road back"
Andersson went out hard, and refused to back down. The main threat, Norwegian Heidi Weng, did what she could to match Andersson's tempo during the first half of the race. But after that, it was "game on", and Andersson pulled away bit by bit.
The victory was the Swede's first for the season in the World Cup, and her eighth individual victory ever.
It has really been a tough road back to the top of the podium, so it feels extra nice when you succeed like I did today, says she to Viaplay.
The form top comes at least conveniently. With just over two weeks left until the start of the World Championship in Trondheim, Andersson has shown that her form is only getting better and better. Last week, she crushed the competition at the Swedish Championship, and now she has also shown her form top in the World Cup.
Several Swedish stars, such as Frida Karlsson, Jonna Sundling, and William Poromaa, have chosen to skip the World Cup competitions in Falun to prepare themselves at high altitude for the World Championship.
The World Championship in Trondheim begins on February 26 and runs until March 9.
Two Swedes in the top ten
Even on the men's side, the Swedes, in William Poromaa's absence, showed fine form.
Edvin Anger had long been hanging on to podium positions, but stumbled a bit at the end. It ended up being a sixth place, 29.6 seconds after the winner Iivo Niskanen.
Calle Halfvarsson was not much slower and also made it into the top ten. He finished eighth, 48.8 seconds after the Finn. A final position that is the season's best for the 35-year-old.
Second was Johannes Høsflot Klæbo ahead of his compatriot Erik Valnes.
