Less than two weeks ago, 17-year-old Alvar Myhlback finished third at Vasaloppet. This weekend, he will compete at the World Cup in Falun.

It has been a few months since Alvar Myhlback competed in the World Cup, precisely the first two weekends in December. A 37th place in Gällivare was his best result. But since then, a lot has happened, and now is time for Falun.

Myhlback has won double gold medals at the Junior World Championships and has been on the podium twice in Ski Classics. Less than two weeks ago, he finished third at Vasaloppet.

Read More – Myhlback about the podium at Vasaloppet: “It doesn’t get bigger than this” 

Now, he comes to the World Cup with a completely different feeling than he had when he last skied in the World Cup:

“I have much better self-confidence now. The last time I was here, I was having a difficult time. Then I knew that my shape was not good. But in the last two months, my body has worked exactly as I wanted it to,” says Myhlback to Langd.se.

Also Read: Brilliant win for Alvar Myhlback at the Planica Junior World Championships

How has your shape been after Vasaloppet, and how have you been able to prepare specifically for these races?

“I was very tired the first few days, but now my body feels good again. Then I’ve had time for some ‘panic training.’ I’ve been diagonal skiing for a few minutes. When it comes to skating, I practiced a lot of skating before the Junior World Championships. But I haven’t done anything since then,” says Myhlback.

What is your goal for this weekend’s competition?

“I’m aiming as high as possible. And I have skied a lot on these tracks. I was kind of born in Mördarbacken, so it should go well,” says Alvar with a smile.

What is the difference between being here and competing compared to Ski Classics?

“It’s much more relaxed in Ski Classics, and long-distance races are more fun. But I have dreams and ambitions here, too.”

Will there be a full focus on Ski Classics next season?

“That’s definitely possible. I don’t like to combine. But I haven’t decided yet. I’ll have to decide on that later,” says Myhlback, who will be on the starting line in Saturday’s classic race and Sunday’s mass start.

See the complete program for the World Cup in Falun, Sweden, at the end of the article.

FACTS Falun World Cup Season 2023/2024

• When: Friday, March 15 to Sunday, March 17
• Who: Elite national skiers – women and men
• Where: Falun, Sweden
• What: FIS Cross-Country World Cup in Falun, Sweden

PROGRAM

Friday, March 15: Sprint Classic (More details can be found here)

• 12:15 CET: Sprint Qualification C, Women
• 12:50 CET: Sprint Qualification C, Men
• 14:45 CET: Sprint Final C, Women
• 15:15 CET: Sprint Final C, Men

Saturday, March 16: 10km Interval Start Classic (More details can be found here)

• 11:00 CET: 10km Interval Start C, Women
• 14:00 CET: 10km Interval Start C, Men

Sunday, March 17: 20km Mass Start Freestyle (More details can be found here)

• 11:00 CET: 20km Mass Start F, Women
• 14:15 CET: 20km Mass Start F, Men

Read More: World Cup calendar for the 2023/2024 Winter Season