When the World Cup sprint was decided in Davos last Saturday, only two Swedes started, Jenny Solin and Johanna Hagström.

The extreme absence of blue-yellow skaters was due, among other things, to illness, but several Swedes instead chose to compete in the Scandinavian Cup in Östersund.

- It's absolutely crazy how many illnesses have happened, I myself have been very ill.

It is very unfortunate that it has spread like that in the squad, notes Moa Lundgren, who made a delayed season premiere in Östersund in particular - instead of Davos.

- I was asked about taking part in Davos, but we came to the conclusion that there are races I need to run and it is best to stay in the lowlands.

It would have been a different matter if the competition was in the lowlands.

I also think that there is a greater chance of getting a good race at Skandinaviska.

Actually in pre-season

With hindsight, Lundgren made the right choice.

A fourth place in the sprint and a third place in Sunday's mass start were beyond expectations, she says.

- Incredibly fun that Linn (Svahn) and Jonna (Sundling) were there.

After all, it gave you the impression that you are included.

I'm actually in my pre-season compared to the others, because I haven't done anything maximally.

- When Jonna is on the starting line, then you can class it as quite worthy opposition.

Forced into unnecessary surgery

At the end of October, Lundgren was forced to undergo what would turn out to be an unnecessary operation.

The doctors mistook her symptoms for appendicitis and began an operation, but realized at the last moment that the appendix was healthy.

As a result of the procedure and subsequent illness, Lundgren was unable to ski at all for four weeks.

This weekend's competitions in Östersund were therefore her first this season.

But despite the difficult winter, the goal has always been to secure a place for the WC in Planica in February.

Now Lundgren believes that the weekend's results increased her chances.

- Now I think I'm still very relevant.

Without having trained or competed, I'm still participating.

Then there are a few more gears to put in.

It's a nice feeling, it's not peaked now - then you can grind to this diamond.

It's very fun.

Can drive Tour de Ski

Now Lundgren, who has a seventh place in the sprint as her best result in the World Cup, hopes to continue to show the national team management what she is all about.

The next opportunity will be the Tour de Ski over the turn of the year or the Scandinavian Cup in Rovaniemi, Finland, January 6-8.

- It is up to the national team where they want to see me, there are two very good options.

CLIP: Jonna Sundling sprinted down Anna Svendsen (December 18, 2022)

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Jonna Sundling.

Photo: Bildbyrån