The WC in Planica, Slovenia is two months away and ten Swedish skaters have had their WC participation guaranteed.
What stands out is that only three are men: Calle Halfvarsson, William Poromaa and Edvin Anger.
The most experienced of the trio, Calle Halfvarsson, thinks that the national team management made a correct decision.
- I think it is absolutely right.
There are three of us who have had high placements and I think it is wrong to take out a large squad right away, better to keep at it.
It is clear that it will be difficult for some.
But if you haven't performed...it was the same for me last year, then you kept at it until after the Tour de Ski.
Is it an understatement that there are only three of you?
- Yes, there are many who are disappointed as it has been right now.
We haven't got the results we wanted in the team, but there are a few of us who have been up there, but we could have been significantly more.
They are some that have not reached the goals yet.
The expert: "Didn't ride well enough"
SVT Sports expert Anders Blomquist believes that there are not many who skied well enough to be ready for the WC.
- I had hoped that more young people would have taken another step this season and skaters like Jens Burman and Oskar Svensson had hoped to ride at a higher level.
It will be a tough challenge for them, but it is important for the Swedish team that a few more established skaters are there to fight for medals.
Betting on sprints
Halfvarsson has participated in five world championships and won three relay medals, but is still chasing his first individual medal.
His best chance is in the classic sprint, says the 33-year-old himself.
- I almost think it (the sprint) is my best medal chance.
I've been in the final in both classic sprints I've raced in. Obviously the goal is to get there, and once I'm there I know that it often goes very well, says Halfvarsson.