Yesterday came the news that Sandra Näslund's biggest competitor, Fanny Smith, will miss the World Cup competitions in Idre due to a knee injury.
Now it is also clear that the Canadian stars will be stopped from the competitions.
- Their Olympic Committee has recommended not to take this journey back and forth between the continents in this situation.
With covid restrictions and so on before the Olympics in China.
Therefore, they chose to stay at home and train instead, says national team captain Eric Iljans and continues:
- It will be so with all the restrictions that are in the world, that then travel between Canada and Europe is risky in these times.
"In practice clear if she wins"
The news means that six skiers from the top 10, including Marielle Thompson, Brittany Phelan and Hannah Schidt, will miss the competitions in Idre.
- It is of course sad that not everyone can participate.
But that's how the world looks today and there is not much we can do about it.
You have to value which competitions come forward as well, says Iljans.
The lack of top competitors opens up for world setter Sandra Näslund to be able to secure the overall cup already now.
Before this weekend's competitions, the Swede is 184 points ahead of Fanny Smith.
With double victories in Idre, she increases the distance to 384 points.
- Sure it is.
The cup will not be one hundred percent secured, but it is in practice clear if she wins, says Iljans and continues:
- It is clear that it is very early.
But she has ridden incredibly well all winter and now leads big and then everyone has been with before as well.
She has been very, very strong so far.
The qualifier in Idre before this weekend's competitions will be held tomorrow.