Skistad has no problem with the favorite role ahead of Thursday's premiere, the individual sprint, at the World Championship in Trondheim. And the Norwegian home hope doesn't care the least about the uncertainty surrounding the icy tracks, which have created headlines in the days leading up to the championship.
I'm good on all tracks. So it will be good regardless, says Skistad during Wednesday's press conference at the Norwegian national team hotel in Trondheim.
"Kristine is the favorite"
Jonna Sundling has three consecutive championship gold medals in sprint. Linn Svahn won the latest World Cup sprint, in Falun. But if you ask the latter, the biggest gold favorite is a 26-year-old Norwegian.
I think Kristine is the favorite for the gold. She's the one you have to beat if you want to win here on Thursday, says Svahn.
Kristine Stavås Skistad:
— I think she's right.
At Wednesday's press conference, Norwegian national team coach Sjur Ole Svarstad was absent, staying home with a cold. In his place, legend Marit Bjørgen steps in temporarily.
Icon steps in
The multiple Olympic and World Championship gold medalist, unlike Svahn, believes it's hard to see anyone else as the main favorite besides Jonna Sundling, considering the history.
She's one of the best ever. And she's shown that she's been strong this winter. She's probably the biggest favorite and has experience from championships. But we'll see how she handles the pressure that will come at Granåsen, says Bjørgen.
Kristine Stavås Skistad, however, has a clear plan for how she can crack her Swedish rival.
I'll try to get her a bit stressed. I have no plans to let her get away. I think I have a chance, says Skistad.
Sweden: Jonna Sundling, Linn Svahn, Maja Dahlqvist, Johanna Hagström, Emma Ribom.
Norway: Lotta Udnes Weng, Julie Myhre, Mathilde Myhrvold, Kristine Stavås Skistad.
