Sweden's national biathlon team has started to prepare for the upcoming winter season.
After the SM that was decided this weekend, large parts of the a national team will go to Germany's Rupholding, where the roller ski shooting WC will be decided.
- It is the first time that we have participated.
There are many big nations involved and it is shown live on television in Germany and thousands of spectators are expected, says head coach Johannes Lukas.
However, Hanna Öberg, Stina Nilsson, Johanna Skottheim and Malte Stefansson are missing from the team.
- Stina had corona this spring and missed basic training, so the competitions at the SM were enough.
Hanna has competed in three competitions now and is in good shape.
We see no need for her to compete anymore.
The two are already back in basic training.
Skottheim is not coming along as she had corona before the SM, so it was a bit early with the competition.
The most important thing is the individual plans, says Lukas.
Traveling down to Italy
After the championship, the Swedish team will go on to Italy for a high-altitude camp.
- We are looking forward to the championship and it fits well into our plan as we travel to Italy for a high altitude camp.
It doesn't cost us extra energy, it's fun.
The main focus is training in Italy afterwards.
Those missing from the WC travel down on Monday next week, says Lukas.
Elvira Öberg and Martin Ponsiluoma had a great performance at the SM and won all competitions on the women's and men's sides.
- With the results Ponsiluoma and Elvira showed at the SM this weekend, Sweden has two world-class skaters in top form.
If they perform at the same level now, there could be several Swedish team members, says SVT commentator Ola Bränholm.
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A new situation awaits Elvira Öberg after last season's great success.
Photo: Bildbyrån