When Alvar Myhlback meets the writing journalists in the mixed zone in Ruka, Finland after the World Cup sprint, he is asked to put on more clothes to stay warm.
"I already have two jackets on. It's fucking plus degrees," says the 19-year-old.
“Is a bit fun”
A moment earlier, he had advanced to the semifinals after finishing fifth in his heat, a performance Myhlback is pleased with.
It's a bit funny. I've analyzed (the sprint race) 20 times now and I still don't really know what to say. But it was beyond my expectations, he says and continues:
There are parts of the sprint today that are incredibly good but then there are parts that are extremely bad.
What do you think is particularly good today?
The stakes are in good shape, he says.
Myhlback notes that he is facing the best in the world when it comes to traditional cross-country skiing, but that he was still a bit behind in the race to challenge for a final spot.
It's going to be too long to catch up at the end, but I've had quite a bit of fun.
“Always want to win”
The super talent, who became the youngest Vasalopp winner ever in March, is basically focusing on the long-distance cup this Olympic season as well. But after great performances in the Swedish premiere in Gällivare recently, he was selected for the World Cup premiere in Ruka and chose to accept.
"I'm very happy that I made the decision to come here and I achieved my goals for the weekend. I always want to win but I can't be unrealistic either," says Myhlback, who finished 16th in the 10-kilometer classic on Friday.
There was an all-Norwegian podium in the sprint premiere. Ski king Johannes Høsflot Klæbo won before Erik Valnes and Ansgar Evensen.
The Swedish trio Edvin Anger, Emil Danielsson and Anton Grahn advanced to the quarterfinals.
