There was wind, snow and generally very difficult conditions during the ten kilometers in Falun. Many racers had major problems in the sticky snow.
– It's windy and raining. This is unbelievable. It's like walking in the mountains on a windy day, comments Frederic Auckland, NRK's cross-country skiing expert.
It was very even on the track for a long time, but in the end the Finnish girls Kirtu Niskanen and Johanna Mattintalo were the best of the best after their race.
Niskanen crossed the finish line on 30.01.3. For comparison, she won the same race in Falun last year on 27.08.5.
Carlson failed
Among those who had a hard time was Freda Carlson's hope at home. She eventually finished 1 minute and 22 seconds behind Niskanen in 14th place.
– It's a big disappointment for Carlson. It doesn't deliver at all, says Viaplay expert Niklas Dierhooghe.
In front of the Swedish newspaper Expressen, Carlson does not hide his disappointment.
– It's bad then, says Carlson.
With the exception of Jonna Sandling in third place, it was a failure for the Swedish women.
Ebba Andersson was the next best Swede in eighth place.
Linn Svahn finished 18th and gave Jessie Diggins a big advantage in the World Cup summary.
Norwegian deflation
Heidi Wong was the best Norwegian in seventh place. Astrid Owerri-Slinde took thirteenth place.
Frederik Auckland believes the Norwegian team's efforts are very poor.
– The position of Norwegian women's cross-country skiing, especially in the national team, is not where it should be. It's a job that needs to be done, sums up Auckland.
In an interview with NRK, Norwegian skier Johannes Hosflot Klaebo issued a grim judgment about women's cross-country.
– Of course this is very bad. There's no doubt about that, Claybaugh added NRC.
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