Frida Karlsson dominated the women’s cross-country ski race in Les Rousses, France, her powerful performance reminiscent of a training regimen honed on a steep incline. The festive atmosphere, complete with cowbells, horns, drums, sirens, and cheers, provided a vibrant backdrop to Karlsson’s victory. From the outset, she set a blistering pace, and by the first ascent of the formidable climb, dubbed ”a wall” by commentators, she had distanced herself from most of the field. Karlsson’s strategy was dictated by feel, maintaining a controlled yet demanding speed that challenged her competitors to keep up or fall behind.
Ebba Andersson, the second-place finisher, was the only skier who initially managed to stay close to Karlsson. However, by the fourth ascent of the grueling climb, Andersson’s energy reserves were depleted. She described her legs as giving out completely, acknowledging the significant toll the course took on her. Despite the demanding race, Andersson expressed joy at securing her first top-three finish of the season. She acknowledged the hard-fought battle from the start and the pressure she felt from Teresa Stadlober of Austria, who was chasing her closely in third place. Andersson described the nerve-wracking experience of having Stadlober just seconds behind, constantly anticipating being overtaken. Ultimately, Andersson held on, fending off Stadlober’s pursuit.
Karlsson, who had participated in fewer World Cup races this year due to a left foot injury, displayed remarkable stamina throughout the challenging course. Her rigorous training regimen, which included skiing on a treadmill with a constant 10% incline, clearly paid dividends. This preparation mirrored the steep incline of the race course, a strategy validated by her coach, Per Nilsson, who cheered her on from the course’s steepest section. Karlsson’s performance demonstrated not only physical prowess but also a strong mental game. She attributed her energy to the confidence she felt, recognizing her strength on the day and channeling it to conquer the demanding climbs.
The demanding climb, which proved decisive in separating the leaders, became a defining feature of the race. While it drained the energy of many competitors, it also showcased Karlsson’s exceptional uphill skiing abilities. Jonna Sundling, who finished ninth and was the third-best Swedish skier, described the climb as ”made for” Karlsson, highlighting her prowess in such challenging terrain. Sundling herself admitted to finding her own pace on the challenging course, recognizing the need to adapt her strategy to the demands of the day. Despite the difficulty, she expressed a degree of “hatred mixed with love” for the climb.
Sundling, who had started further back in the pack, gradually worked her way up the field, eventually overtaking fellow Swedish national team members Emma Ribom and Moa Ilar. She described her initial reaction to Karlsson’s early burst of speed as an acceptance of the day’s challenge and a focus on finding her own rhythm. This pragmatic approach allowed her to navigate the difficult course and secure a respectable finish. Her performance, alongside Andersson’s and of course Karlsson’s, contributed to a strong showing for the Swedish team.
Karlsson’s victory marked her 13th World Cup win, surpassing the record previously held by Charlotte Kalla, who had 12. Karlsson acknowledged Kalla as a significant role model, expressing admiration for her former competitor. The win served as a timely confidence boost for Karlsson, providing positive reinforcement as she embarks on a new training period at high altitude in preparation for the World Championships in Trondheim, which are scheduled to begin on February 27th. This win not only solidifies Karlsson’s position as a dominant force in women’s cross-country skiing but also sets the stage for a potentially exciting World Championship performance. Her focused training, combined with the psychological boost of a decisive victory, positions her as a strong contender for a medal in Trondheim.
