Cross-Country Skiing: Why Ebba Andersson and Frida Karlsson Are Skipping the World Cup in Davos

Cross-Country Skiing: Why Ebba Andersson and Frida Karlsson Are Skipping the World Cup in Davos

Next weekend, the World Cup shifts to Davos, Switzerland. However, Sweden will be without two of its biggest stars: Ebba Andersson and Frida Karlsson.

According to team manager Anders Byström, "They want to have a solid training period right now."

Frida Karlsson had a stellar start to the season, winning the season opener in Ruka over 10 km in the classic style. However, she struggled in Lillehammer, faced with injury issues, and chose to skip the skiathlon event after finishing fourth in the 10 km race last Friday.

It is now confirmed that neither she nor Ebba Andersson will compete in Davos next weekend. The focus now is on the World Championships in Trondheim in 2025.

"The World Championships are the priority. Ebba and Frida are our key distance hopes for the Championships, and we need to structure their training accordingly," says Byström.

The competitions in Davos take place at a high altitude, which has affected the athletes' decisions. The first two competition days feature sprint events, culminating in a 20 km race over the weekend.

Illnesses and Injuries in the Swedish Team

Currently, there is uncertainty surrounding several Swedish athletes ahead of next weekend's competitions. Moa Lundgren, Maja Dahlqvist, and Linn Svahn have been struggling with illnesses.

Calle Halfvarsson had to withdraw from Sunday’s race due to back pain. There is also uncertainty about his upcoming participation.

“It was not good at all. We need to thoroughly check whether he can continue competing. It’s not good to have to withdraw; he doesn't want that either. We need to examine if there’s something wrong with his back,” says Byström.