The Swedish cross-country skiers Jens Burman and Anton Persson have thrown in the towel for the Tour de Ski just two days before the start.

When the Swedish Team boarded the plane today to travel to Lenzerheide and the Tour de Ski, two athletes were missing.

“Anton has an infection in the upper respiratory tract”, says national team doctor Jan Wall to Expressen.

Jens Burman has had a troubled start to this year’s season due to back problems, now the injury forces him to miss the Tour de Ski.

“Jens and the team around him have considered the best way to the Olympics and right now the Tour de Ski is not considered the most advantageous”, says Wall.

Gustav Eriksson is the only replacement to be brought in.

The Tour de Ski begins on Tuesday with a sprint in free technique in Lenzerheide, Switzerland.

Tour de Ski Program