Ingvild Flugstad Östberg is finally back, more than two and a half years after the successful WC where she won five medals but no gold.
The Norwegian has lost two seasons due to health problems linked to too low nutrient intake in relation to energy consumption.
The Olympic season is just around the corner, and the former star does not know if she is a bird or a fish.
Stopped from camp
As recently as this autumn, Ingvild Flugstad Östberg has been stopped from two camps with the national team, due to demanding high altitude.
But now at least the return will take place, in the World Cup in Ruka in northern Finland on Saturday.
- I lower my expectations of myself quite a lot.
People around may set expectations based on what I have done before, she says and continues.
- Everything is going well and I will be selected for the Olympics, so I have high ambitions.
Then I hope for medals, but it is a long way there, states Ingvild Flugstad Östberg.
Is it more important how it feels and how you feel?
- Yes, to try to ride really well and feel that it is fun.
It hurts and you get lactic acid, but I want to look forward to it and feel like being on the starting line again, says Ingvild Flugstad Östberg to SVT Sport.