“Elite sports are up and down. It is not my best season, but I have still got three podium places,” says Lina Korsgren, who is now looking forward to her new role as team manager.

Last season, Lina Korsgren dominated in Visma Ski Classics and won the yellow champion bib for the first time. The dedication and hopes for the just-concluded season were great, but some illness put a stop to her goals.

How do you see your last season?

“It gets difficult when you come from a season where you skied so well. But my career has been up and down. This is a sign that elite sports are ups and downs. This winter’s not my best season, but I still got three podium places, and Maricalonga was a highlight. Tjejvasan also with second place. There are some highlights, but I would have liked more considering the job I put in all year,” says Korsgren.

How did it feel after you made your decision?

“It feels right. Then I think that this period is usually a bit empty after a long competition season. I may not have felt the real feelings yet, and they will probably come when the training year starts. Then there will probably be some other feelings for real.”

When did you make the decision?

“I made the final decision before I went up to Reistadløpet. It has been in the back of my mind for a while, but it was not a decision I wanted to make during the season, but when it started, I said it out loud to “Gurra” (husband Gustaf, team manager).”

How frustrating has it been when the season has been disrupted by illness?

“It is clear that it has been tough at times. It feels like I have been working in constant headwinds with my form all season. I still thought it started to feel very good around Tjejvasan, and there were a few sessions after Tjejvasan that felt heavenly good,” says Korsgren and continues;

“It was, of course, frustrating when I became ill again after Vasaloppet. I do not know; maybe it was even the case that I had covid when I went on Vasan, also considering how my body felt.”

What a strong season it has been for Team Ramudden. What do you say about the progress of your teammates?

“It has been a fantastic season. I have focused on my achievements, but I feel that I have been lifted and enjoyed so much for and with the team. I do not see the shape as so dark anyway. It has been so much fun with the team’s success. Partly individual podiums, and we once again managed to create such a good team and atmosphere.”

What does the future hold? How will your role with the team be?

“We will manage the team further and forward. We will build a new three-year plan together with Ramudden. I will be entitled as team manager but will work with Gustaf just as before. We will get help from more service people because we feel that everything is growing, and higher demands are placed on both the skiers and us. We must be prepared for a long and tough season.”

Gustaf will get another title next year. What title should you give him?

“We’ll see,” says Lina and laughs.

What does the near future look like?

“It’s still about retrieving at home a little after the winter. Then continue working with the team and Ramudden and what it will look like next season with skiers and other things. It’s an exciting time waiting while trying to take it easy.