Blomquist understands the star's decision to end: "Extremely frustrating"

Von Siebenthal has made her best results in long freestyle races, but as Johaug turns up the tempo right from the start, it has become harder for her to claim.

- Being an elite skier requires an incredible amount and to feel that you can't really follow even from the start even though it is your best discipline is incredibly frustrating. Then I think it is sad considering that she is younger than Johaug and can develop, says Blomquist and continues:

- With Johaug in the field, it becomes a completely different tactic. Then you know before the race starts that it will be full throttle.

Von Siebenthal is not the only prominent rider who does not drive in winter. Sprint specialist Sandra Ringwald has also quit, while Russian greats Julia Belorukova and Jelena Soboleva miss the season due to pregnancy.

- It is sad for women skiing that von Siebenthal chooses to quit quite young. She is one of the very best distance riders in the world. It is also sad that Belorukova does not compete this winter because she is one of those who can challenge Swedes and Norwegians. It is needed in women's skiing today.

Will the Swedish-Norwegian dominance be even greater now?

- There is a risk for it, both at a distance and a sprint. It is clear that there are many talented people who do not drive and some have chosen to quit at a fairly young age. It seems to be a bit narrower this year. says Blomquist.

The expert also believes that it is a problem for cross-country skiing in general.

- The Norwegian and Swedish ladies are amazingly talented and very fun to follow, but it is clear that it is a small problem that Finland has problems and that two of Russia's biggest stars will not compete this winter. They, von Siebenthal and Ringwald are the ones who have the chance to be on the podium in the World Cup. For skiing overall, it's not good, he says.