Calle Halfvarsson has after a few heavy seasons in the back got a fresh start during the Tour de Ski with a fifth and sixth place.
But in today's classic 15-kilometer race it was heavier and Halfvarsson after a stable start to the race could not keep up with the lead when the tempo was increased.
Afterwards, the 32-year-old from Sågmyra was critical of the fact that he decided to put on additional mooring after the first test run before the race.
- I should have ridden the skis as they were from the beginning when I tested them.
But I thought I had too little grip then and added another layer - and then I did not have time to test them again before starting, he says.
- You have to tear down towards the stadium and it is heavy when you barely go downhill and have to fight in every curve because you feel that the bracket is in.
"Feeling I'm on my way"
Despite this, Halfvarsson is positive ahead of Tuesday's fateful climb up the slalom slope in Val di Fiemme.
- The feeling is good.
I feel like I'm on my way.
The body begins to respond but it is sad when you do not get it out in terms of results.
Oskar Svensson became the second best Swede, finishing in 13th place just behind Calle Halfvarsson.
A result the 26-year-old sprint specialist sees as a big step in the right direction after having back problems earlier in the season.
- It was very fun to ski today, says a satisfied Svensson to SVT Sport.
CLIP: Oskar Svensson: "Completely different feeling today"
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Oskar Svensson: "Completely different feeling today"