After stomach surgery – Kristine Stavås Skistad returns to the World Cup

After stomach surgery – Kristine Stavås Skistad returns to the World Cup

Kristine Stavås Skistad missed the World Cup opener in Ruka because of a stomach operation. However, she is set to return for this weekend's World Cup in Lillehammer.

Her coach, Lage Sofienlund, stated that Skistad is ready to compete again. "She's ready to race, which is very exciting. That's a victory in itself," he said. Skistad had been a dominant force in the sprint World Cup last season, but her start to this year was disrupted by the surgery.

It was less than a month ago when it was announced that she underwent an operation and would miss the opening event in Ruka. But now she is back.

Despite a somewhat turbulent preparation, hopes are high for her sprint performance in Lillehammer on Saturday. Sofienlund mentioned, "After such a period, Kristine's form is certainly far from her best, but she is 'crazy', so I believe she can have a good race with the body she has."

Didrik Tönseth and Anne Kjersti Kalvå also missed the World Cup in Ruka but are included in this weekend’s lineup along with Helene Marie Fossesholm, who is making her World Cup comeback. The Lillehammer World Cup will take place from December 6-8, featuring freestyle sprints, a 10-kilometer freestyle, and a 20-kilometer skiathlon on the schedule.