Therese Johaug is considering altering her World Championships plan once again, leading to uncertainty about the championships, according to experts and competitors.

Ahead of the final stages of the Tour de Ski, Therese Johaug hinted she might upend her World Championships preparation plans once more—this time regarding altitude training. Throughout her career, Johaug systematically used altitude training as part of her preparation, achieving success.

However, when announcing her comeback for the World Championships in Trondheim, she firmly decided against extensive altitude camps. Her reasoning included prioritizing her family, minimizing travel fatigue, and acknowledging that Trondheim’s races would not take place at altitude.

Despite sticking to this decision initially and planning to prepare in Norway, Johaug now appears to be reconsidering. During a rest-day press conference at the Tour de Ski, the Norwegian star suggested she might rethink her World Champs preparation.

“Altitude has been a recipe for success. I need to reflect,” she said.

Frequent Changes Raise Questions

The 36-year-old’s potential shift is one of several course corrections since the World Cup season began in Ruka in late November. Initially, Johaug planned to participate in the Norwegian national season premiere at Beitostølen, the World Cup premiere in Ruka, and the World Cup events in Lillehammer from December 6 to 8, excluding the Tour de Ski entirely.

However, after competing in the first three weekends, she decided to add the 20-kilometer race in Davos before Christmas, where she suffered a significant defeat. She then reversed her stance and joined the Tour de Ski, which she had previously ruled out.

Also Read: Øyre Slind wins 20km interval start at the Davos World Cup

These frequent changes have prompted criticism. NRK’s cross-country expert, Martin Johnsrud Sundby, commented that Johaug’s constant adjustments make her seem “uncertain and indecisive.” Johaug immediately refuted the claims.

Expert Opinions and Rivals Weigh In

Other experts, including Adresseavisen commentator Birger Løfaldli, have echoed Sundby’s concerns.

“I interpret this as her not getting the answers she wants. It may be wise to adjust plans, but it doesn’t inspire confidence,” Løfaldli told VG.

He believes Johaug’s defeats—most notably to Astrid Øyre Slind—are fueling her uncertainty. Slind, who now leads the Tour de Ski, has beaten Johaug multiple times recently, including a decisive victory in the 20-kilometer race in Davos.

“Given what Slind has delivered, I understand why Johaug sees her as a tough competitor. Johaug will need to significantly elevate her performance to achieve her dream of winning the 50-kilometer gold,” said Løfaldli.

Swedish skier Ebba Andersson, who dominated the 2023 World Championships in Planica, shared similar views.

“She seems uncertain about where she stands,” Andersson told VG, adding that she herself has adhered to her original World Championships preparation plan despite some setbacks.

“I haven’t started like Therese yet—with a plan A, B, C, D. Maybe she’s on plan H now?” Andersson joked.

The Road Ahead

Johaug’s national team coach, Pål Gunnar Mikkelsplass, emphasized that adjustments are part of optimizing preparations for the World Championships.

“She was a bit fatigued in the fall, which necessitated changes. She has been open about the possibility of adjustments, even though a primary plan was set. The goal is to do what’s optimal before the World Championships,” Mikkelsplass said.

The remaining Tour de Ski stages in Val di Fiemme include a skiathlon on Saturday and Sunday’s infamous final climb up Alpe Cermis.

FACTS Tour de Ski Season 2024/2025

• When: Saturday, December 28, 2024, to Sunday, January 5, 2025 
• Who: Elite national skiers – women and men
• Where: Toblach and Val Di Fiemme, Italy
• What: Tour de Ski, Italy

PROGRAM

Saturday, December 28, 2024: Sprint F – Toblach-ITA (More information can be found HERE)

• 12:00 CET: Sprint Quali F, Women
• 12:36 CET: Sprint Quali F, Men
• 14:30 CET: Sprint Final F, Women
• 15:00 CET: Sprint Final F, Men

Sunday, December 29, 2024: 15km Mass Start C – Toblach-ITA (More information can be found HERE)

• 12:30 CET: 15km Mass Start C, Women
• 14:45 CET: 15km Mass Start C, Men 

Tuesday, December 31, 2024: 20km Interval Start F – Toblach-ITA (More information can be found HERE)

• 11:30 CET: 20km Interval Start F, Men
• 14:45 CET: 20km Interval Start F, Women

Wednesday, January 1, 2025: 15km Pursuit C – Toblach-ITA (More information can be found HERE)

• 10:30 CET: 15km Pursuit C, Men
• 12:30 CET: 15km Pursuit C, Women

Friday, January 3, 2025: Sprint C – Val Di Fiemme-ITA (More information can be found HERE)

• 12:15 CET: Sprint Quali C, Women
• 12:46 CET: Sprint Quali C, Men
• 14:45 CET: Sprint Final C, Women
• 15:15 CET: Sprint Final C, Men

Saturday, January 4, 2025: 20km Skiathlon C/F – Val Di Fiemme-ITA (More information can be found HERE)

• 11:00 CET: 20km Skiathlon C/F, Men
• 15:30 CET: 20km Skiathlon C/F, Women

Sunday, January 5, 2025: 10km Mass Start F – Final Climb – Val Di Fiemme-ITA (More information can be found HERE)

• 14:15 CET: 10km Mass Start F, Men
• 15:30 CET: 10km Mass Start F, Women

Are you interested in traditional cross-country skiing? Click HERE and read more about it.