Nathalie von Siebenthal was Central Europe's foremost rider, the one who could take up the fight with riders from Russia and the Nordic countries. She finished fourth in the skiathlon at the Lahti World Championships 2017 and during Johaug's suspension in the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympics, she took two sixth places. Last season, when Johaug returned after the doping sentence, however, the Swiss had the heavier. Her seventh place on the three-mile at the World Championships in Seefeld was her best result during a tiring season.

- Johaug's return to the sport has changed the character of the race. She puts such a high speed right into the race. The arrangement, which fits Johaug well, and which affects the entire field does not suit Nathalie, says her coach Peter von Allmen to Norwegian Dagbladet.

Von Siebenthal was best served with long freestyle races in heavily hilly terrain.

- The worse results caused her to lose motivation and the joy of skiing, continues von Allmen.

Questioned Johaug's explanation

When Johaug got arrested for doping two years ago, von Siebentahl was skeptical of the Norwegian.

- I don't believe in her. The most remarkable thing is that she was not doped tested between May and September, it is incredible. And in the first sampling she tested positive and then she blames on a lip balm. No, I don't believe that, she told the Basellandschaftliche Zeiting in November 2016, telling me that she herself was tested 20 times during the same period.

However, when Norwegian journalists wondered about that statement, von Siebenthal turned his cloak after the wind and completely changed his position.

- Johaug has been a source of inspiration and hopes she is innocent and will return. This must be a terrible situation for her. It's nice that she gets so much support in Norway, von Siebenthal told Dagbladet in the fall of 2016.

Now von Siebenthal will help out at the family farm in the Swiss Alps.