Some of the Swedish traditional cross-country skiing stars are skipping this winter’s Tour de Ski.

Even though we aren’t even in September yet, many of the top skiers have already decided not to participate in what is considered by FIS as the most prestigious competition in the World Cup program, Tour de Ski.

The upcoming edition of the Tour de Ski will take place entirely in Italy.

“I don’t have any good Tour memories, unfortunately,” says Emma Ribom to Aftonbladet, admitting that she hasn’t planned to participate in the Tour, adding that: “In the initial plan, it doesn’t feel relevant to do the Tour de Ski,” she tells the newspaper.

The reason several have now removed Tour de Ski from their planned season is the World Championship in Trondheim – but that doesn’t take place until February.

Also Read: Changes in Tour de Ski: Fear that the magic will disappear

Last season, there were no championships, making it more attractive to participate in the prestigious race with the tough finish up Alpe Cermis in Val di Fiemme.

“I don’t know when it turned, but I really struggled during the last days of the Tour. It turned so quickly. From being in super form to barely being able to get around. I don’t have any good tour memories, unfortunately,” Ribom says, according to Aftonbladet.

Moa Ilar is Also Skipping

Moa Ilar is another who hasn’t included the Tour de Ski in her season planning. 

“The basic plan is not to race. I need a more solid training block,” says Ilar.

Jonna Sundling is also uncertain, according to Aftonbladet, as she usually skips Tour de Ski during championship seasons. 

“I haven’t closed the door yet, but probably not,” says Sundling.

Maja Dahlqvist is 50/50, while Linn Svahn and Ebba Andersson plan to race in Toblach and Val di Fiemme over New Year’s. Germany is out of the Tour de Ski, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary.

Read More – Tour de Ski: Program for the 2024/2025 edition

Calle Disagrees

One who has a completely different attitude is veteran Calle Halfvarsson, who feels it is somewhat of a duty to participate in one of the biggest races of the winter. 

“I think it’s a competition that one should participate in. It’s one of our biggest competitions in the World Cup. They can shut down the Ttour if everyone starts dropping out,” says Calle, who likely has many who agree with him on this point.

How Frida Karlsson feels is unknown, but it’s clear that Therese Johaug – who is focusing on the World Championship in Trondheim – will not participate.

The Norwegian men, however, are more in line with Calle Halfvarsson. 

“It’s very important that as many of the best as possible participate in the big competitions. I think all Norwegians plan to do the Tour and most races, even if it’s a championship season,” says Martin Løwstrøm Nyenget, according to Langrenn.com.

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