The riders in today's national sprint competition in Idre (including Linn Svahn, who will compete again after almost two years of injury absence) are allowed to use thermal socks.

The reason is simply the cold - it is around minus 15 degrees in Idre today.

The decision to allow thermal socks at Swedish competitions is unusual, according to the association's competition coordinator Ludvid Remb.

- We were asked at the team manager's meeting yesterday, we checked Fi's regulations and it is vague, but we have made the decision locally and the jury believes that it will not affect the competition.

If the riders get a better experience, that's okay, we care about the riders.

Cold limit at minus 20 degrees

One reason why they now choose to allow thermal socks is what happened in the long run La Diagonela in 2021, where, among others, Britta Johansson Norgren got big cold blisters on her toes - and had the whole season ruined.

- There is a rule that says you must not have any outside energy on you, but after what happened with Britta, the question comes up sometimes.

Fis has said that the rules should be changed, but it seems that they have not done so.

It's fuzzy.

But now we have made the decision locally.

We think it's okay to use it, says Remb.

The cold limit for competitions is 20 degrees below zero - then you have to cancel or postpone the race.

But in Sweden, the cross-country organizers agree to draw the line at minus 17 degrees for seniors, 15 for young people up to 16 years old.

Thermal socks are now allowed in Ski Classics.

SEE MORE: How to prevent frostbite:

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Anders Blomquist's list: "Gorgeous" Photo: SVT