Made her World Cup debut at 26: “I’ve started to find the training that works for me”
Ebba Stenman made her World Cup debut at age 26. Now, her progress curve is pointing steeply upward, and she’s aiming for more World Cup starts this coming winter.
The skier from Vidsel, near Älvsbyn, has made straightforward strides in recent seasons. Last winter, Stenman debuted in the World Cup in Davos, where she and Ingrid Hallquist reached the final in the team sprint. Now 27, she’s hoping to wear the national team suit once again and represent Sweden on the World Cup circuit.
Dominated the Roller Ski World Cup
In preparation for the upcoming ski season, Stenman spent the summer dominating the overall Roller Ski World Cup standings. She claimed the overall title by a wide margin, winning several stages along the way.
“In Madona, I was in really good shape — I’d say those were my best races,” Stenman told Langd.se.
During Alliansloppet in Trollhättan, she said the sprint went quite well, though the long-distance race was a bigger challenge.
“I had never done a long-distance race before,” she admitted.
Her overall dominance in the roller ski series also reflected her steady progress.
“It feels like I’ve taken another step forward.”
Also Read – Roller Ski World Cup 2025: Final standings after Val di Fiemme
World Cup debut in Davos
When Stenman made her World Cup debut in Davos in December 2024, she finished 41st in the sprint.
“Yes, it felt really big,” she recalled.
She’s made significant progress in recent seasons, but without major changes.
“No big changes, really. But I’ve actually reduced my training volume a bit. I’ve felt that I’ve kept developing through training itself, continuously,” she explained, adding:
“I think I’m starting to find the training that works for me, with a good balance between recovery and workouts.”
Lives in Umeå
Ebba Stenman trains with a group in Umeå, together with athletes such as Saga Nilsson from Skellefteå and Magdalena Nilsson, also representing IFK Umeå.
“It’s a really good group, and there are usually many of us at training sessions.”
The training group in Umeå has been an important part of her development, she says.
“We train a lot together, so that’s definitely part of it.”
World Cup and Swedish Championships on home snow
Now, Ebba Stenman hopes to get another chance in the World Cup.
Read More – Cross-country skiing World Cup: Calendar for the 2025/2026 winter season
What are your goals for the upcoming season?
“I want to do better than I did last year. I’d like to compete in more World Cup races and hopefully qualify in the sprint.”
In 2026, the Swedish National Championships will also take place in Umeå — something extra special for Stenman, who represents IFK Umeå.
“It’s also the Nationals on home ground. I’ve heard that the atmosphere is always great when the Championships are held in Umeå, so I hope it’ll be the same this year,” she concludes.
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