Norway's women's coach Ola Vigen Hattestad describes it as a small shock when the national ski team, in the bus from Lathis to the airport, was told that they would fly to Sweden and Arlanda instead of home to Norway.

It was the result of the sudden Swedish ban on entry from Norway due to the corona pandemic.

Therese Johaug took the changed plans calmly and saw it as optimal preparation for this weekend's World Cup competitions.

"Be in good shape"

- Now we do not have to travel via Norway and then get a long drive here to Falun.

For me, this was better.

Now the preparations are perfect, says the Norwegian ski star when TT meets her before the first training session in Falun.

- It's really nice to be back and it feels good that we get a few extra days there.

I have several fond memories of Falun, she says.

The 32-year-old Johaug was superior in the World Cup comeback in Lahti this weekend, when she won the skiathlon race.

Frida Karlsson, 21, was missing in Finland after the injury she sustained in the hotel room during the Tour de Ski.

But in Falun, the two biggest names in the World Cup are pitted against each other again.

- It will be exciting to meet Frida Karlsson.

She was in good shape in the Tour de Ski before she injured herself.

That's a shame.

I think she has had time to train well and is strong for the weekend, says Therese Johaug.

Thinker

Last year's World Cup final with the three miles in Holmenkollen, when Frida Karlsson sprinted Johaug on her home field in Oslo, created ski cheers in Sweden.

And gave the Norwegian a useful food for thought.

At least if you can believe coach Ola Vigen Hattestad.

- Therese has always been told that she is so great.

But then she saw that there are girls who can really beat her.

It happened then and it can happen at the World Cup.

Therefore, it became an alarm clock.

In addition, the race meant that she received extra lighter fluid in the continued training.

Falun will be Therese Johaug's only competition weekend in Sweden this season.

- I skip Ulricehamn (February 6-7) and go home after the competitions here in Falun.

It has been planned for a long time because it is time to go on precamp before the World Cup.

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Stock Photography.

Therese Johaug.

Photo: Bildbyrån