In yesterday's hunting start, Therese Johaug was defeated for the first time this season in a distance race. It was Ingvild Flugstad Östberg national teammate who shot down Johaug.
- It has exceeded my expectation. I was hoping to feel that everything would be right and that the technology was where it should be and that the shape might come later. But when I win the race directly, the form is obviously pretty good, says Ingvild Flugstad Östberg and SVT Sport.
health Problems
Flugstad Östberg missed the season start due to health problems. The ski star comeback in the Tour de Ski which is now ongoing.
- I really appreciate it. It's hard to compare with anything else during my career as a championship run, last season and stuff I've done over the years. But this is one of the best things I've done
Swedish star Ebba Andersson, who was injured during the preseason, has also made a comeback in the Tour de Ski. In the first World Cup competition after the injury, she finished third over 10 kilometers of freestyle.
- To make a comeback in the World Cup and step up on the podium, it's been really fun, says Ebba Andersson.
"Even at the top"With Ingvild Flugstad Östberg and Ebba Andersson back in the ski track, Therese Johaug gets two strong challengers in the distance race.
- It is good when it is even at the top, so that the voltage is maintained for as long as possible. Then the audience and the TV viewers stay, so it is important for us, says Ingvild Flugstad Östberg.
What do you think about the mass start tomorrow?
- It's going to be tough. The track has proven to be very decisive. The field may hold together during the first lap. Then I think it will crack and then it must be good skiing and a good day. Otherwise, it can cost both seconds and minutes. I hope to have a good day.
Ebba Andersson is also looking forward to tomorrow's mass start.
- When you are and compete at this level you get nothing for free. It's really about fighting. I think it will be tough and it will certainly keep a high speed from the start.