It's a championship year, so it is.
For most Swedish cross-country stars, it means that what is usually one of the season's highlights has to take a backseat.
I was asked which venue I like to compete at the most. And I say Falun. It's a really nice competition venue and I have fond memories from there. It's obviously really sad, says four-time World Champion Jonna Sundling.
Sacrifices are required
The problem is that the World Cup weekend in Falun takes place on 14-16 February, just ten days before the World Championship in Trondheim, and therefore clashes with the national team's final high-altitude training camp.
A camp that most Swedish skiers have planned.
Yes, unfortunately, that's how it looks right now. It's really sad, of course, I would have really wanted to ski that. The World Championship is the big goal, so you have to make some sacrifices. But it's incredibly tough to have to miss out on competing at home, says William Poromaa.
Same for me. It's really sad, but at the same time, it will open up opportunities for others who wouldn't have gotten the chance to compete otherwise. But Falun is one of the season's highlights, so it feels sad to not be there myself, says Linn Svahn.
There are some exceptions, though. Ebba Andersson usually only loads up in thinner air, even if the championship in question takes place at high altitude. The 27-year-old, who has two gold medals to defend from the 2023 World Championship, is counting on starting in Falun.
I have no plans for high-altitude training. I'm planning for Falun, says Andersson.
It's typical that the World Championship affects the Swedish cross-country audience, she thinks.
It's a shame and sad that it has to be that way. But if high-altitude training is a prerequisite for being in top form, then the consequence is unfortunately that World Cup competitions get squeezed out.
Halfvarsson is hesitant
National team veteran Calle Halfvarsson, born and living in Dalarna, has not made up his mind. It depends on what high-altitude treat the national team offers.
I have a hard time seeing myself going to high altitude now when I didn't go to high altitude during the summer. It's only if it's a really nice place where I can get peace and quiet and enjoy life ahead of a championship, says Halfvarsson.
Otherwise, he'll compete in Falun.
Yes, if it's a place I don't like to train at, then I won't go. Then it will probably end with me going to Bruksvallarna and living in a cabin and training there.
+ 22-24 November: Swedish premiere, Bruksvallarna.
+ 29 November-1 December: World Cup premiere in Ruka, Finland.
+ 28 December-5 January: Tour de Ski in Toblach and Val di Fiemme, Italy.
+ 14-16 February: World Cup in Falun, Sweden.
+ 26 February-9 March: World Championship in Trondheim, Norway.
+ 15-16 March: World Cup in Holmenkollen, Norway.
+ 21-23 March: World Cup final in Lahtis, Finland.
