Last year, Therese Johaug improvised together a press conference at the Kuusamo airport. Then she was pressed with questions that mainly concerned the two years when she was suspended for doping.

- I feel that I'm calmer this year. My shoulders are lower compared to the same time last year. I'm going to try to enjoy more this year, because last year I was pretty nervous all weekend, Johaug tells NTB.

"Is in cannon form"

This year, many of the questions relate to the Norwegian, who made a compelling comeback season and is a clear favorite for the World Cup in skiing, instead of Swedish Frida Karlsson.

Both Johaug and Karlsson started the season last weekend in Gällivare and Beitostølen with strong performances, and Johaug does not underestimate Karlsson's capacity for the mini-tour in Ruka.

- That she can beat me this weekend I do not see as impossible, says Therese Johaug to Aftonbladet and continues:

- She's in great shape. She can go fast here on Saturday, while she is good at sprinting where she can get bonus seconds with her so it is not impossible that she starts before me. I think she can participate in the battle for victory.

Frida Karlsson far ahead of everyone else: "World-class show" (23 November 2019)

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Therese Johaug and Frida Karlsson. Photo: Photo Agency

Do not want to put pressure

However, Johaug points out that she does not want to put pressure on Frida Karlsson, who is making her first year as a senior. But with that said, she also admits that she believes that Karlsson has the capacity to become longtime queen already this year.

Johaug, on the other hand, dares not take out any own victory in advance.

- I know that I have to go skiing and do good technically. Although everyone else expects me to win, I don't do it myself, she tells NTB.

See Johaug smash resistance in the premiere (November 23, 2019)

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See Johaug crush the resistance in the premiere