Linn Sömskar had a strong start for her Winter Season at the traditional Gällivare Premiere in Sweden, with a 3rd and two 6th places. It gives her hopes for the start of Visma Ski Classics with her Team Eksjöhus.

Last year, Linn Sömskar changed her skiing focus from sprint to long distance skiing races but had a bad season start when she suffered frostbite injuries in the first race in Switzerland.

After her recovery, there were only four more races left at the end of the season. A 9th place at Vasaloppet and a 7th place at Årefjällsloppet were her best places.

What have you learned from last season?

“To dress better,” says Linn and laughs, but continues quickly, “I learned that it is quite difficult to ski a race over several hours. To have a good plan with energy intake. Something I did not have to think so much about before when I skied shorter races. It was very fun to see new places and not least to see what the tracks look like. It is rare to have time to ski an entire course before a long race. In traditional competitions, you can easily ski several laps on the track before the competition. Now I have a look at some courses at least.”

With a 3rd place in the sprint and two 6th places in the distance race at the Swedish traditional premiere in Gällivare, Linn showed that she is at a high level ahead of her second season as a long distance skier.

You made strong efforts in Gällivare. How is your form for Saturday?

“I went to Gällivare and thought I was in good shape. I mostly went there because it’s fun to compete. I had no expectations for results and suddenly I had made my best season opener ever. It was really fun. I feel somewhere now that the form is up again,” says Sömskar to Längd.se and adds, “I think it can be really fun this weekend.”

There are short and fast races waiting for the Premiere weekend as well. What do you think about the Pro Team Tempo over 9 kilometers?

“It is one of the races I have been most looking forward to. I think it was so sad that nothing happened last year. Precisely because it is something completely different than what has been done before and we can do it together with the team. There will be a little more tactics.

Have you sharpened up any tactics for Saturday?

“We have thought a lot and have talked to each other about how we should think. Then it depends on whether you have a good day or a bad one. We will go out and have fun and do the best we can based on the day. The same for the men.

What are your goals for the winter? Are you thinking about performance or placements?

“Actually both. I want to manage all the races and the distances. I have a very good desire to get on the podium as well. I feel that it is not impossible. That’s it and a little focus on the Sprint bib. I had thought about it last year too, but it became difficult when I missed so many races.

Are there any races that suit you better?

“In a straight answer those that are a little flatter. This is where I have been the strongest before, but I still think I have taken a few steps on the slopes, when there will be a little more altitude as well.”

It could be an interesting way to start this weekend, right?

“‘Yes, absolutely. I think we are one of the teams that can do good,” Sömskar concludes.

Visma Ski Classics Season XII starts tomorrow, become a Pro XC Skiing member and have access to SC Play to watch live all Pro Tour events!