Russian Vasiliev is suspended for 18 months for failing three doping tests over a year and as an effect all her results are also deleted from February 4 onwards. A biathlete who withdrew a lot of points to both himself and Russia, points that are now deprived of the nation and have effects on the final position in the national cup. Fourth-placed Russia is passed by both five-man Italy and six Sweden, which gives Sweden an extra rider, from five to six starts, in each competition. A joy message in the Swedish team.
- When we presented this to the team, that it could be possible, it became a good atmosphere in the gang, says Anders Byström with a smile. Everyone wants to go as much as possible.
And a little easier job for you in your new role?
- We have a tough job to take out the team anyway, but it makes the thing a little easier that we get set up with six.
For the Russian part, the effect is, of course, the exact opposite. In addition to losing a rider, who has also been a part of the Russian relay success (where Vasiliev was part of the victory team from the World Cup relay in Oberhof), they roll outside the top-5 and go from six to five regular starting places.
Sweden had seven riders last season who took the world cup on the women's side. Now the chances of getting more names and more points are increasing.
- It's obviously a great chance for many to get the chance to show up, but also qualify for the World Cup, says Byström.