Längdskidor: Anders Byström marginalizes Swedish victory chances in Tour de Ski: "Too Much to Ask"

Originally published in SVT Sport on December 31, 2023

Anders Byström, the national team chief, has cast doubt on the chances of a Swedish win in the Tour de Ski. During the competition, Jessie Diggins has been performing outstandingly, winning the first two races including the sprint and the 15 km classic mass start. Byström admits that a total Swedish victory seems distant but believes that both Ebba Andersson and Linn Svahn have the ability to compete for a podium spot.

Byström stated to SVT Sport – "The chance seems slim, and Jessie Diggins is the big favorite, having won last year as well. While Johaug, Ebba and Linn can certainly challenge her in the upcoming races, recapturing the lead that Diggins has built up is asking for too much."

Currently, the standings show Jessie Diggins in the lead, with Kerttu Niskanen in second place. The distance to the Swedish competitors, particularly Andersson and Svahn, has widened, creating a significant challenge ahead.

As they aim for podium placements, Byström hopes for consistent improvement from his athletes as the Tour progresses.

Fact: Total standings in the Tour de Ski after two of seven stages:

Dames:
1) Jessie Diggins (USA). 2) Kerttu Niskanen (Finland), +38 seconds. 3) Astrid Öyre Slind (Norway), +1.09.
Swedes:
7) Ebba Andersson, +1.20.
9) Linn Svahn, +1.34.
13) Moa Ilar, +1.48.
22) Märta Rosenberg, +2.33.
32) Moa Lundgren, +3.29.
38) Maja Dahlqvist, +3.54.