19-year-old Alvar Myhlback has been clear that his focus is on the cross-country cup, even though it is Olympic season, and even though many want to see him compete more in traditional cross-country skiing.
Now he still chooses to go to Finland and this weekend's World Cup premiere - with competitions Friday-Sunday - even though it clashes with a training camp with Myhlback's long-distance team Team 157.
The veterans poked
Other names that stand out on the men's side are Jesper Persson and Johan Ekberg, the latter getting the chance after winning Sunday's 10-kilometer freestyle race during the Swedish premiere in Gällivare.
"It's extra fun that some relatively unknown faces get the chance. For example, Jesper Persson and Johan Ekberg, who both showed a significant increase in level from the results they achieved last season. We also get Alvar Myhlback, who despite washing up in the sprint, had a really good weekend," says Sweden's national team manager Anders Byström in a press release.
Several more established names are missing. William Poromaa sat out Sunday's race feeling unwell and chooses to sit out the World Cup start. Calle Halfvarsson and Jens Burman, who both had a weak weekend in Gällivare, are also being tested.
Sick
On the women's side, Linn Svahn is staying home. She missed the Swedish premiere with a cold and is still not quite ready.
Swedish team, women: Ebba Andersson, Maja Dahlqvist, Evelina Crüsell, Johanna Hagström, Moa Ilar, Frida Karlsson, Moa Lundgren, Emma Ribom, Märta Rosenberg, Jonna Sundling.
Men: Edvin Anger, Gustaf Berglund, Emil Danielsson, Johan Ekberg, Anton Grahn, Johan Häggström, Leo Johansson, Alvar Myhlback, Jesper Persson, Eric Rosjö, Oskar Svensson.
