This winter, Frida Karlsson has an extra big chance to win the World Cup overall because the Norwegian dominant Therese Johaug has retired.
But Karlsson will forego several competition weekends in the World Cup in order to get the best possible preparation for the WC in Planica.
This is despite the fact that new points rules mean that it is extra important to go to many competitions in order to win the World Cup overall.
The best 50 get points, previously it was 30.
"Not a very good eye"
- To be honest, I don't have a very good grasp of the new rules because that's not my goal this winter.
I will opt out of contests.
If the World Cup had been important, I would not have chosen them.
I will see the competitions (in the World Cup) as a step towards the WC, says Karlsson and continues:
- Next year, championship-free.
Then there will be full focus on the World Cup.
But this year it's the WC that tingles more in the stomach.
I like having a goal like that.
She wants to ride all WC races except sprint.
Frida Karlsson tells us that she has not done the competition planning, but is already signaling that there are many indications that she will ride the Tour de Ski at the turn of the year.
- I'm still quite keen on it.
I think it is quite well timed.
You get a training period after that, she says.
Enjoy deciding
Frida Karlsson has broken out of the national team together with friend and sprint star Maja Dahlqvist.
Together, they make their own investment during the pre-season.
It is noticeable that Karlsson enjoys having one hundred percent control over his skiing life.
From now until the WC competitions in February.
TT: Do you feel better now that you can decide the setup completely and can be yourself outside the national team?
- I have always been myself.
You have been a little limited at some camps.
Before, there has been a camp one week a month.
You have to go there (at the national team camp) and then come home and make the most of the other three weeks of the month.
That's where I know you have the most development.
Now I have time and space to do other things, says Frida Karlsson, who spent most of the summer with her parents in Sollefteå.
- I like it here and the apartment can be closed in like summer.
But soon I will go back, says Karlsson.
"Not unimportant"
TT: How does it work to be responsible for the planning yourself?
- Per (Nilsson, the coach) thinks we are cool and going for a bounce.
It should also be fun.
I think the training gives more then.
It doesn't matter if you do exactly that or exactly that and are set up.