Makes World Cup veterans shake their heads: “What more should he do there?”

Last year, Alvar Myhlback tried to combine long-distance racing with a traditional cross-country focus on the World Cup. But this spring, the message came: the 19-year-old is dropping traditional cross-country skiing in favor of entirely focusing on long-distance.

There will be no double focus this winter. This, even though he has been very close to beating Johannes Høsflot Klæbo in the sprint.

Also Read: Myhlback goes all-in on long-distance skiing with Lager 157 Ski Team renewal

Could become the World’s best

The decision has left many stunned. Calle Halfvarsson can’t understand what the youngster is thinking.

“He has already won Vasaloppet as the youngest ever. I struggle to see what more he should do there,” Halfvarsson told SVT.

The Swedish super veteran has kept an eye on Myhlback for many years and would have preferred to see the super talent make another choice if it were up to him.

“I would have wished that he had gone all-in for traditional already this year. It’s more exciting. He could become the world’s best traditional cross-country skier,” says Halfvarsson.

Read More: Broke all the unwritten rules – and became the best

Can race long-distance when you’re old

Halfvarsson is far from the only one who has reacted strongly to Myhlback’s priorities. Harald Østberg Amundsen also shakes his head.

“There’s only one thing that counts, and that’s traditional cross-country skiing. Ski Classics he can wait with until he turns 35,” the Norwegian believes.

Myhlback himself takes the input with complete calm. He is confident in his choice.

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