Neprjajeva has competed without feeling completely healthy in Östersund and now chooses to throw in the towel. This is confirmed by trainer Markus Cramer for on-site media.

He says the ski star fell ill after she had to go to Moscow to arrange a visa for the World Cup final in North America in March.

"When she came back to Östersund she didn't feel very well," says Cramer according to Expressen.

Johaug surprised

24-year-old Neprijaeva ranks second in the overall World Cup, after Norwegian Therese Johaug.

Johaug reacted with surprise when she was told by her rival.

- Okay? No? It's very boring, says Johaug to the newspaper, who would have liked to see the Russian compete in the new tour.

- I was looking forward to tough matches with her, it is her I see as the big challenger in the overall World Cup.

Sprint next

Johaug says that at the same time, it is "a great advantage" for her that Neprijaeva breaks.

It currently distinguishes 530 points between the riders in the total cup.

The Ski Tour continues with sprint in Åre on Tuesday.