Last year, Jenny Larsson made a comeback after a wrist injury and secured several podium finishes. After some health issues at the beginning of this winter, the season did not start as planned.

“The season didn’t start as I had hoped and imagined. I was at altitude in Livigno and planned to come directly down to low altitudes for the races in Gällivare, but I got a cold and had to go home a bit earlier. I took a chance and competed in Gällivare anyway, which, in hindsight, was unnecessary. Moreover, I got sick again right after the races, and after that, I had a hard time getting into shape,” says Jenny Larsson to Langd.se.

Larsson had a good competition in the last Ski Classics Pro Tour event, finishing fifth at Marcialonga.

“Marcialonga is one of my absolute favorite races, and I gathered all my strength to get an upward trend in form. I needed some answers that my form was improving, and I got them. I gave everything I had that day, and it was great that it was enough for a fifth place,” she says.

Jizerská50 was planned to be the eighth stage in the Ski Classics Season XV but was canceled due to lack of snow. Last weekend, Jenny took the opportunity to compete in the Ford Smart Energy Cup organized in Åsarna, Sweden.

“It was nice. I felt that both my body and mind needed something completely different for a change, and it was perfect since it was so close to Östersund where I live,” she says and continues:

“I was quite slow, especially in the prologue, but I felt it got better with each heat. It’s a bit extra disappointing with a pole break in the final, but at the same time, it’s tight, and those things happen in the sprint. Overall, I take every chance I get to race ‘traditional’ when it fits. Unfortunately, it’s sporadic.”

What are your goals for the season? 

“My biggest goal is to win Vasaloppet. That’s something I’ve tailored my entire training plan around, and regardless of the result, I want to feel that I’ve managed to peak my form on that day. Generally, I want to be on the podium this season, and above all, I want to win a race again. It has felt quite distant during the season start, but I still believe in it,” Jenny Larsson concludes.