The World Cup premiere was decided in November on the imaginary Olympic track in Zhangjiakou.
Afterwards, both activists and leaders criticized the course, which was considered too easy.
On Monday, the activists had to make a first test, a day earlier than usual because the Chinese drivers were not considered to keep the measure.
Afterwards, it was stated that the organizers tried to listen to the criticism, but Sandra Näslund does not sound completely satisfied:
- They have changed a little in the track.
The start is a little different since last time.
It's different for the better.
They have also tried to make it a little bigger and harder.
I do not know yet if they have succeeded, says Sandra Näslund who also stated that on Monday it was sluggish in the chilly weather.
- It's a sluggish snow, which everyone talks about.
It went a little slow today, but it may get better in a few days.
Want hard
Before the Olympics, Sandra Näslund is the world's best cross-country skier, who this season has won nine out of ten World Cup competitions.
In practice, she has already won the World Cup, despite four competitions remaining.
But a light Olympic slope is not to any advantage for Sandra Näslund, who gets less benefit from her technical superiority.
- But now it is this course we will compete in and the conditions that apply.
Now it is important to find a plan for it, she says.
How do you see your golden chances?
- If you look at the results, it is obvious that I will come here and pick up a medal.
- But it is a sport with small margins and anything can happen.
It has been tight in many competitions, where I had the margins on my side.
She was one of the favorites four years ago as well.
Then, 2018, ended with a fourth place and great disappointment.
- Of course I want revenge for that, she says firmly.
Challenges the gentlemen
At the same time, there are signals from the rest of the team that Sandra Näslund is in good shape.
At the last competition camp before leaving for China, she sometimes rode evenly with the men.
- It's fun when I can hook on to the guys at training.
Especially in the starting sections, which I am very good at.
Then it is not always easy to hang on throughout the course, but I perform very well right now and it is fun to be in shape, says Näslund.
On Monday, she saw the Swiss Fanny Smith on the slopes.
Her worst competitor, who some time ago shook his knee badly, but who is now ready for the Olympics.
- She is a good skier who is now here.
Then I see no reason for her to pull down on any gear, says Sandra Näslund.
KLIPP: Näslund completed the successful weekend at home (January 23, 2022)
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Sandra Näslund won again at home.
Photo: Bildbyrån