Calle Halfvarsson Withdraws from Tour de Ski due to Back Issues

Calle Halfvarsson, 35, has announced he will not participate in the Tour de Ski, a decision made by the national team as a precaution after he has been experiencing back problems at the beginning of the season.

Halfvarsson has faced a tough start to the season, having withdrawn from the skiathlon in Lillehammer in early December and subsequently missing competitions in Davos before Christmas. The goal was to be ready for the Tour de Ski starting this Saturday.

However, the veteran skier has suffered a setback. The national team has confirmed that Halfvarsson will have to sit out the tour. They prioritize his health, especially considering the World Championships in February.

"Calle has been responding well to rehabilitation, but undertaking a full tour at this time is a significant burden, especially with the World Championships coming in February that we need to keep in mind," said team doctor Rickard Noberius in a press release.

Therefore, they have decided to pull back and focus on getting Calle back in shape to compete in Les Rousses instead.

Eric Rosjö will replace Halfvarsson.