In the Swedish premiere, Moa Ilar first came second and then third.
When all the best skaters gathered in Finland, she was once again on the podium.
It felt like I was riding calmly and methodically. And then you might not always know how fast it's going. Sometimes it feels like you're moving and riding fast, and that's enough for you, says a very satisfied Ilar.
The fact that it's going this far, with the riding I'm doing today, is great fun.
Third place was Ilar's fourth podium finish in the World Cup in individual start and her first in classic style.
"I was quite nervous at the start, which I usually am not. My gelding was a safe support before the start," she says.
Why do you think you were extra nervous?
I had a good weekend last weekend in Gällivare, and then maybe the expectations for myself will be raised a little. You want to do well at the beginning of the season and face the other nations. I think you never really know where you stand, says Ilar.
The race weekend continues in Ruka with a classic sprint on Saturday and a 20-kilometer freestyle, mass start, on Sunday. The latter race was won by Ilar in 2023.
