This Friday, the international cross-country ski season kicks off in Olos/Muonio, Finland, with a classic sprint on the program. Sofia Henriksson is Sweden’s leading hope and sees the races as a chance to wake up her competitive instincts before the Swedish season premiere in Gällivare next weekend.

The international ski season begins today with a classic sprint in Olos/Muonio. A total of 25 Swedish skiers are registered for the competition, with Sofia Henriksson from Piteå Elit being the most notable.

The 31-year-old takes the opportunity to put on a bib before the Swedish race season formally begins in Gällivare next weekend.

“It’s a bit nerve-wracking; I can feel my pulse rising easily. Just being out skiing makes me think about racing tomorrow. I feel a bit extra nervous when it’s the season opener, but it also feels really nice to get this started finally,” Sofia Henriksson tells Langd.se.

Read More – Olos/Muonio season opener: 24 nations and World Cup stars on the start line – live on SC Play

What are your expectations for the races in Olos/Muonio?

“I still see it a lot as a training race. What matters most to me is performing next weekend and in the weeks that follow. This is more like a little preview. You get to feel the bib on your chest and maybe get rid of the worst opening-race nerves before it really counts. That way, next weekend becomes a bit less dramatic.”

“One of my better years”

After a long preseason where Sofia Henriksson has trained mostly on her own, it will be extra exciting to test herself against other skiers. The competition in Olos/Muonio will be tough from the start, with strong German and Italian women’s teams on the starting line.

“It’s always butterflies before the first race of the year. I’m not entirely sure where I stand, and I’ve trained extensively on my own. That always makes it a bit more nerve-racking.”

How has your preseason been?

“I think it has been really good. It’s one of my better years where I’ve been able to do almost everything I wanted. I’ve been injury-free and healthy all year.”

Important races in Gällivare

Next weekend, the season begins “for real” with the premiere races in Gällivare. Sofia says those competitions are important for getting a chance to race in the World Cup.

“You know it’s an important weekend. The season is long, but I also know that if you perform well in Gällivare, you can secure a spot on the World Cup team. Things can really start rolling from there. If you don’t make it then, there will be more chances—but the road gets harder. The season is long. Everything doesn’t depend on that one weekend,” she says.

What are your goals this season?

“First of all, I want to perform at my top level. That’s the highest priority—to get the best out of myself. It’s also the Olympic season, and it’s exciting to think there’s a small chance of qualifying. That thought gives a little extra spark, but the women’s team is extremely tough right now. I’m aware of that.”

In Gällivare, the 10km classic is the most important distance, according to Sofia. As for the Olympic event where she believes she has the best chance of being selected, it’s the 50km classic.

“Ten classic will be extremely important for me. At the Olympics, if there’s anything I think I might be considered for, it’s the 50km classic,” she concludes.

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