“It was cool. It went super well,” said Alvar Myhlback, Lager 157 Ski Team, after the finish. 

Ultimately, the 17-year-old Swedish had given a hard time to World Champions, World Cup stars, and Pro Tour athletes, finishing behind only Johannes Høsflot Klæbo and Sime Hegstad Krüger. 

Read More: Klæbo wins Toppidrettsveka men’s pursuit race 

Langrenn.com talked with the junior star after the solid performances at Toppidrettsveka.

First, Myhlback finished sixth in the long-distance race at Hitra. He then finished third in the sprint in Aure. After 16th place at the skiathlon in Granåsen, he moved up to third place overall at the pursuit finale. 

“It was cool. It’s always cool when you surprise yourself,” says Myhlback.

Motivated by Klæbo 

“My strategy was to keep a steady pace and keep up and then try to go on the finish. But Klæbo is smarter than everyone else. I’m not quite there yet,” says Myhlback. 

Now he talks about doing more of that “for real,” both in the World Cup and major championships.

“It added flavor. So, we’ll see,” says Myhlback to Langrenn.com, and confirms that he is keeping all options open. 

The article continues below.

Gold medal at the 2025 World Championships

Myhlback is clear that the 2025 World Championships is a goal now. He enjoyed the demanding course in Granåsen and has set a clear goal for the championship. 

“This is one of the nicest races I’ve started. I’ll be back in a year and a half, then I’ll win,” says Myhlback after the final race at Toppidrettsveka.

As of now, the junior talent has yet to discuss possibilities with the Swedish national team. 

“If you want to go to the World Cup, you have to perform, and I have no dialogue with the national team. But I hope it can be discussed over the autumn,” says Myhlback. 

Will continue to double focus

The young athlete from Bjursås, a few kilometers from Falun, decided to focus on long-distance skiing early. Since last summer, Myhlback has had a contract with the Ski Classics Pro Team Lager 157 Ski Team, and at Vasaloppet’s debut previous winter, he finished eighth, just seconds behind the four who battled for the victory.  

“I am still young and have many years left. But I will mix it up (long-distance skiing and traditional cross-country skiing). I’m training both, so we’ll see what happens.”