Halfvarsson was almost one and a half minutes after winner Jens Burman on 15 kilometers freestyle.

- It is clear that it is never fun to be this far behind, but at the same time I make a very bad run and then you are far behind. They are as good as the ones at the front.

The Swedish men's star started slowly, just according to plan, but failed to raise the pace he had intended.

- It felt good on the heating. I think I open quite quietly, but I can't switch up. I'll never get started.

SVT Sports expert Anders Blomquist sounded worried at the end of the race.

- He looks tired even though he doesn't go very fast. Mysterious, he said.

ARCHIVE: Northug on the psychic war with Halfvarsson (19 September 2019):

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