The Swedish cross-country skier has not competed since he broke off a World Cup race in Lillehammer at the beginning of December due to back problems.
Now, Calle Halfvarsson will not participate in the Tour de Ski either. The decision was made by Halfvarsson together with the coach and the medical team, as a precautionary measure.
"Calle has responded well to rehabilitation, but running a full tour at this point is a major strain – especially when there is a World Championship in February that we need to keep in mind. Therefore, we are applying the brakes and focusing on having Calle back and competing in Les Rousses instead", says national team doctor Rickard Noberius in a press release.
There were more positive tones just a week ago, when Halfvarsson was one of the skiers selected for the blue-yellow squad for the tour.
Then, national team manager Anders Byström said:
"He has undergone a lot of examinations and has gotten a grip on what the problem is. So he feels ready and is very eager to ski the Tour de Ski. Hopefully, it will hold and it looks like it will according to the medical team".
Eric Rosjö, IFK Mora SK, replaces Halfvarsson in the tour, which starts in Toblach, Italy, on Saturday. Next Sunday, the Tour de Ski concludes with the traditional climb up Alpe Cermis.
