The Swedish 19-year-old now aims to beat the Norwegians on their home turf and become Norwegian champion. Alvar Myhlback is set to compete in the Norwegian Championships team sprint for his club Team Bygdø – if the races go ahead next week.

The classic team sprint is scheduled for Friday, March 27, in Harstad. Myhlback would then head straight to Reistadløpet and Ski Classics events in Setermoen and Bardufoss the following day. On Sunday, the Ski Classics final takes place with the demanding Summit 2 Senja.

It could be an extremely tough weekend for last year’s Vasaloppet winner.

Team Bygdø coach Vetle Leander Johansen confirmed to Norwegian TV2 that Myhlback is on the start list for the Norwegian Championships team sprint.

The Swedish Olympic skier, who finished ninth in the Olympic sprint, will team up with Eirik Mysen, a medalist at last winter’s Norwegian Championships.

The favorites are, as usual, Byåsen SK from Trondheim, but much depends on whether Johannes Høsflot Klæbo will start. In addition, the club’s national team skier Didrik Tønseth has retired.

That opens the door for Alvar Myhlback to become Norwegian champion. According to TV2, each relay team may include one foreign athlete, provided that the athlete has been a member of a Norwegian club for at least 1 year. Myhlback qualifies, having represented Team Bygdø since 2019.

However, it is not certain that the races in Harstad will take place. The area has experienced prolonged mild weather and rain, putting snow conditions at risk. A final decision will be made on Saturday afternoon, and there is no backup venue.

In addition to the team sprint, the Norwegian Championships will also include 5km/10km races, 30km/50km events, and finals in the Norwegian Junior Cup.

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