A real firecracker opens the ski season in Ruka. Therese Johaug against the Swedish stars. For the first time after a two-season absence. A race that the entire ski world is speculating about right now.
What does Johaug herself believe?
In front of a large press gathering in Ruka, the comebacking Norwegian explained who she thinks is the favorite:
Ebba Andersson has won here the last two years and she skied fast in Bruksvallarna. So I think she's the biggest favorite here tomorrow.
At the same time, she came with a positive message about her own form, after a training session in the abundant snowfall.
I thought Beitostølen (Norwegian premiere last weekend) would look worse than it did. So I'm positively surprised by my own form, says Johaug.
"That's answer enough"
Andersson herself says this about Johaug's statement about the favorite:
I've heard that she means that no one has been up and sniffed at the top level since she quit. So I think that's answer enough. That the one who probably has the highest level is probably her.
Andersson comes from a Swedish premiere in Bruksvallarna where she won convincingly on both 10 km classical and freestyle. A nice form message ahead of the weekend.
My physical status is pretty good and my head also seems to be in the right place. So I feel like I'm where I want to be right now and hope it will show this weekend, she says.
The last two years, it's been Andersson who has stood on top of the podium on 10 km classical in Ruka. She's hopeful ahead of the premiere weekend.
I got good answers during the weekend and it hasn't felt worse here during the week either. So I have high hopes and of course hope to be able to be in the top, she says.
Karlsson won in 2021
Last time Johaug competed in Ruka was in 2021. Then it was another Swedish skier who won. Frida Karlsson looks back on her hit:
Then I came in here with a feeling of being invincible. I had a ridiculously good feeling in my body, says Karlsson.
She continues:
I don't really know if I'm there now. But I think we can expect a pretty tight top ten. It usually gets pretty short skiing times here.
Friday, November 29:
10.00: 10 km, classical style, interval start, women.
12.40: 10 km, classical style, interval start, men.
Saturday, November 30:
09.00: Sprint, classical style, qualification, men and women.
11.30: Sprint, classical style, final pass, men and women.
Sunday, December 1:
09.30: 20 km, freestyle, mass start, men.
11.25: 20 km, freestyle, mass start, women.
