The competitions in French Les Rousses are running parallel to the Norwegian championships in Gåsbu. This means that several of Norway's national team skiers have chosen to skip this World Cup weekend.
But despite only three Norwegians starting in Friday's 10-kilometer freestyle, there was great Norwegian dominance. Again.
Iver Tildheim Andersen won ahead of Pål Golberg, with Simen Hegstad Krüger in fourth place. American Ben Ogden squeezed in between the Norwegians and finished third.
Won almost everything
After Finnish skier Iivo Niskanen's victory in the World Cup premiere in November, Norwegian skiers have taken home all men's victories this winter.
It feels incredible. It's been an okay season so far, but today it went fantastically well, says Iver Tildheim Andersen in the victory interview on Viaplay.
I'm very pleased, now I might have a chance to compete in the World Championship, he continues about the tough domestic competition.
Despite a thinner start field than usual – only 57 starters – there were no Swedes on the podium. William Poromaa came closest with a fifth place, his season's best. He was 25 seconds from victory and 16 seconds from a podium spot.
Edvin Anger finished sixth, another second behind.
It was good, I think. I just tried to ski evenly all the way. Those who were ahead today did well. But it will come, says Poromaa to Viaplay.
Tough for Halfvarsson
Calle Halfvarsson, on the other hand, still has a bit to go to reach World Championship form. Friday marked the long-distance veteran's comeback in the World Cup, his first competition since early December, and ended with a 14th place. Halfvarsson was nearly 40 seconds behind the winner.
The Swedish team for the World Championship in Trondheim (February 26–March 9) will be presented in connection with the Swedish Championships in Borås in early February.
