As expected, there were no major surprises when the Swedish team for the World Championship in Trondheim was presented after the national championships in Borås.
Anders Byström listed 15 names that will compete for medals, although the team will be complemented with a few reserves as well.
The reserves are needed, not least on the men's side, where there are still question marks surrounding Calle Halfvarsson and his back problems.
Given his history this season, we need to be a bit cautious and see, says Anders Byström.
But it has gone very well anyway since he was out due to back problems, and he is very careful himself too.
The team includes a World Championship debutant in sprint skier Emil Danielsson, but otherwise it is the established stars who get the chance.
The routine may be needed extra much now that it's a championship in Norway again, notes Anders Byström.
I don't think you should underestimate the importance, because there will be enormous pressure from the audience, he says.
There will also be greater media interest. We need to be prepared for that, and then experience is a plus, absolutely.
"Stronger than in a long time"
Anders Byström does not want to reveal how many Swedish medals he believes in. But with a good World Cup winter behind them, the Swedish chances look good on both the women's and men's sides.
On the women's side, we should be able to compete for medals in every race. On the men's side, it may be more that we get to see a few races where we have a greater chance than others, he says.
But the men's team is also stronger than in a long time, now that Edvin (Anger) has also won in the World Cup.
While some national team skiers are now heading to high-altitude training camps, most are waiting for the World Cup in Falun next weekend.
It is also the last chance to qualify for the World Championship team reserve list.
Many will double
Among the skiers who still hope for a World Championship spot are, for example, Märta Rosenberg, who has made a success during the ongoing U23 World Championship.
Both on the women's and men's sides, several skiers will likely double and compete in both sprint and distance races. This applies not least to Edvin Anger.
He is so good and wants to ski everything, but we need to evaluate a bit if we can use him in all races, says Anders Byström.
He is, of course, highly relevant for both the sprint relay and the relay, so it can be very many races for him.
Women:
Ebba Andersson, Piteå Elit, Maja Dahlqvist, Falun-Borlänge, Moa Ilar, Falun-Borlänge, Johanna Hagström, Ulricehamn, Frida Karlsson, Sollefteå, Emma Ribom, Piteå Elit, Jonna Sundling, Piteå Elit, Linn Svahn, Östersund.
Men:
Edvin Anger, Åsarna, Jens Burman, Åsarna, Emil Danielsson, Högbo, Marcus Grate, Umeå, Calle Halfvarsson, Mora, William Poromaa, Åsarna, Oskar Svensson, Falun-Borlänge.
