On Friday 27 November, the World Cup season begins in Ruka with a classic sprint, followed by an individual race over 10 km classic on Saturday and a final hunt start over 10 km in freestyle on Sunday, which is a so-called mini tour where all results are counted.
Last year, Therese Johaug won with 1.11 ahead of Heidi Weng.
Frida Karlsson finished eight, 1.54 after the superb Norwegian and then had to pause the season for two months after health problems with malnutrition.
Frida Karlsson made a strong end to the season and defeated Therese Johaug in a sprint deal in Holmenkollen's three miles, the last race that could be decided before the corona pandemic stopped the season prematurely in mid-March.
Ahead of the coming season, 32-year-old Johaug chooses to lift up Sollefteå-born Frida Karlsson, 21, and Ebba Andersson, 23.
"Frida and Ebba take big steps"
- People like Frida and Ebba are an age when they take big steps.
They are young and take bigger steps than me who have passed 30. I only take small steps every year.
That is a big difference, says Johaug to Norwegian Dagbladet.
The World Cup in German Oberstdorf 22 February to 7 March will be the big goal next season.
- I want to fight for the gold medals in the World Cup.
It will be a tough competition.
The Swedish riders will be tough to beat.
Now I have to take the opportunity to put some pressure on Frida.
Last year I was criticized for being too kind to them and taking care of them.
That's why I say now: Frida wins in Kuusamo, says the 32-year-old with a smile.
Johaug does not see an end date for her career but does not think she will continue over the home WC in Trondheim 2025.
- My God, there's a long way to go.
There are five years left and then I am almost 40. I doubt I will start, Johaug thinks.