Insulation is the key word for the World Cup in Oberstdorf, Germany, which for Sweden begins on 25 February.

Anders Byström says that every competition weekend is as much about protecting the riders from infection as about the races themselves.

Special accommodation during SM

Therefore, the national team management has decided on the following concept:

  • In Falun last week, the Swedes lived in isolation in a small hotel they had not previously used in connection with the ski games.

  • A similar isolation takes place in connection with the World Cup competitions in Ulricehamn this weekend.

  • During the Swedish Ski Championships in Borås 9–11 February, the national team management has found a special accommodation with full insulation for the World Cup squad, which will then almost be nailed down.

    The few skiers who take the last places will join in the World Cup bubble on 11 February.

  • The Swedish World Cup camp begins on February 12 and ends on Sunday, February 21 when it leaves for Oberstdorf.

Staying in Sweden

Traditionally, Sweden, like many other nations, has chosen to charge the World Cup in the Alps in order to have a small high-altitude effect and to avoid the Swedish cold.

But during the pandemic, Sweden wants to avoid camps abroad.

Anders Byström explains why they chose Saxnäs - a small town in Västerbotten with about 100 inhabitants:

- The most important thing was the loneliness.

We will not meet any people there.

In addition, we get a great opportunity to control the hotel ourselves and influence the routing.

Accustomed to insulation

The pandemic means that the World Cup riders will be isolated from other people for months in a completely different way than they have been used to before.

But for the medal jumper Ebba Andersson it is no problem:

- It is right that we stay in Sweden as long as possible because we must stay healthy, she says.

- Now they have already got used to not meeting people, except for those we meet in the national team and at competitions.

This is not strange.

I think we have a good setup for the World Cup.

Sprint specialist Jonna Sundling sees the isolation before the World Cup as part of everyday life.

- We skiers are usually isolated.

Now it's important to be more careful.

In addition, we will have camps in my home areas.

It will be good, says Sundling.