Mattias Nilsson, coach of the development national team and head of Falun, is not particularly surprised by the selection of the 22-year-old.
- He was well worth it after the weekend!
It is great fun that he gets the chance in the World Cup, it is a goal for the younger riders to get out and get the chance internationally, he says.
But the reason for the selection, the double victories during the premiere weekend in Gällivare, was not as expected.
- I'm not surprised that these guys go fast, we have seen them very much and they have developed and taken steps.
Then there would be two victories ... it was a little above expectations.
How would you describe Leo Johansson to those who do not know?
- It is mainly a distance skier.
He is more focused on distance than sprint.
Traditionally, he may have been better at classic than at skate in recent years, but he is relatively versatile in both shorter and longer races.
He can do well in most things within distance, as we saw this weekend, he says and continues:
- When he rides well, he rides very calmly.
Good pressure, calm riding and good technology.
I think that characterizes him.
As a person, he is extremely ambitious, positive and goal-oriented.
"Very big step"
Despite the successes this weekend and the fact that he seems to have dotted his form at the start of the season, one should not have too high hopes for Leo Johansson in Ruka, the development national team's coach believes.
- You have to be very humble.
It is a very big step to get out at the World Cup.
It has been a dizzying weekend for him.
It will not be a straight path to the top internationally.
I do not want to set any results expectations, but it is about getting out and taking for granted and being offensive in their riding.
I see this as the primary thing this weekend, to take a step back and make yourself at home in a larger arena, says Mattias Nilsson.