This winter, the long-distance stars will have 41 competition days in eight countries.

This is an approach that has been criticized from several quarters during this corona autumn, most recently Swedish Linn Svahn.

- Now we have had a great opportunity to try to change Fi's approach by being around a lot of different places in a very short time, and it will be a great load and a very large device to make it work, she says to SVT Sport.

"A lot of pressure on the riders"

Niklas Jonsson, who is a member of the International Ski Federation's (Fis) length committee, understands the criticism, especially considering how the corona situation has developed recently.

- It does not look particularly bright right now, if you look at what has happened recently.

There will be a lot of pressure on the riders, and you have to ask yourself: Will all competitions end?

And if they get rid of, how much should you expose yourself as a skier, with travel to all countries and all the tests you have to take in that case, he says to SVT Sport.

- So it would surprise me if there is not a discussion about how to do during the winter.

There were different options

Jonsson explains that the competition program was first launched this spring, and then confirmed just over a month ago.

There were then a number of different alternatives, including one with fewer competition venues - similar to the biathlon world cup.

- But they chose to go for alternative A then, to keep the program as it was.

But you have to remember that the corona mode looked better then than it does now, he says.

Linn Svahn says that the Swedish skiers stated that they had wanted a "block solution", with more competitions in fewer places.

Were there more people who wanted to see such a reading?

- There were a few different opinions when the decision was made.

But those who have the competitions want to carry them out, so there is a problem there: Of course there are those who are for a block solution, but then you have to be prepared to let go of competitions as well, and no nation wants to do that.

Do you think the World Cup will be over as planned now?

- No, if I may guess, I do not think so.

I think there will be changes.