This season has been very tough for Linn Svahn. She was not in shape in the initial World Cup competitions. It was not until the last sprint competition in Tour de Ski that she stepped up to the podium as second.
After that, her body was finished. The recovery did not go as planned, and the day before departing for the World Cup competitions in Les Rousses in mid-January, she withdrew.
On the tour, I had too poor recovery. It cost me more than I usually experience on a tour. Then it was time to pull the handbrake. My body was too far from normal condition. I have pretty good control over my physical levels, says Linn Svahn.
Became ill
She recovered and planned to make a comeback last week at the Swedish Championships in Borås, but did not feel healthy.
It was sour. If you're a cross-country skier, you want to compete in the winter. That's the thing. You always have an A-plan for what you want to do. It's rarely that it goes according to plan. You always have to revise and plan based on position and situation. There have been quite a few setbacks before it becomes a success, says Svahn.
The only test
Thus, Friday's competition in Falun is her only sprint competition between the tour and the World Championship in Trondheim, which starts at the end of February. Not an optimal situation for the Swedish sprint hope.
For me, it's about getting a clean and good day. I've had few starts this year. Therefore, I want to take advantage of the day and get both a good result and a good race. I want to take something with me.
Her comeback has also created interest in the Norwegian team. Kristine Stavås Skistad, who is the main Norwegian challenger to the Swedes, is unsure where she has Linn Svahn.
We haven't met so often this year. It will be exciting to see where she stands, says the Norwegian.
November 28, Ruka: Out in the quarterfinals.
December 28, Toblach: Out in the quarterfinals.
January 3, Val di Fiemme: Second.
