Calle Halfvarsson's Comments on Tour de Ski: "Then We Can Cancel It"

Calle Halfvarsson has made a strong statement regarding the Tour de Ski, emphasizing its importance even during championship years. He argues that choosing to skip the event is somewhat selfish, suggesting that skiers should fulfill their obligations to the Tour instead of focusing solely on individual championships.

Historically, many skiers, particularly among women, have opted out of the Tour during years when major championships occur. Among the female skiers who achieved individual medals at the World Championships in Planica 2023, only three out of eight participated in the Tour. On the men's side, the participation was similarly low with six out of nine completing the Tour.

This year, it's still uncertain how the competitors will approach the Tour. Some have already announced plans to skip it, including Moa Ilar, Emma Ribom, and Jonna Sundling. In contrast, Halfvarsson is keen on participating and views it as a duty, urging others to reconsider reducing their participation in the World Cup and focusing solely on championships.

Emma Ribom counters Halfvarsson's view, stating that every athlete should follow their own path and prioritize what feels right for them. Ribom reflects on her tough experience during the last Tour, which affected her performance, reinforcing her decision to potentially withdraw from such demanding events.