The Return of Frida Karlsson and a Dominant Jessie Diggins in Les Rousses
The cross-country skiing world cup circuit returned to Les Rousses, France, after a brief hiatus, bringing with it the highly anticipated comeback of Swedish star Frida Karlsson. Karlsson, a proven force in distance skiing, had been sidelined for several weeks due to a persistent foot injury, forcing her to miss both the Tour de Ski and recent world cup races. The 25-year-old had started the season with a resounding victory in the 10km classic race in Ruka, Finland, defeating even the legendary Therese Johaug by a significant margin. However, her subsequent performance in Lillehammer, Norway, saw her finish behind three Norwegian skiers, after which her injury forced her withdrawal from competition. The Les Rousses 10km freestyle race marked her return to the world cup stage, a moment eagerly awaited by fans and competitors alike.
Despite the layoff, Karlsson demonstrated her resilience and talent, finishing in a respectable seventh place. While not a podium finish, her performance signaled a positive step in her recovery and return to form. The race itself was dominated by American skier Jessie Diggins, who solidified her position as the overall world cup leader with a commanding victory. Diggins, known for her powerful skiing and tactical acumen, finished 20 seconds ahead of the competition, showcasing her exceptional form. This victory underscored Diggins’s consistent performance throughout the season and cemented her status as one of the top contenders for the overall world cup title. The absence of Therese Johaug, who opted to skip the Les Rousses races after her recent Tour de Ski triumph, undoubtedly played a role in the race dynamics, creating an opportunity for other skiers to shine.
For the Swedish team, Ebba Andersson emerged as the top performer, securing a fifth-place finish. Andersson, who had achieved a double victory in the previous world cup event held in Les Rousses in January 2023, aimed to replicate her success but fell short of the podium this time. Despite her strong effort, she was unable to match the pace of Diggins and the other top contenders. Nevertheless, Andersson’s consistent presence in the top ranks demonstrated her continued strength and solidified her position as a key member of the Swedish team. The race also marked the return of another Swedish skier, Elina Rönnlund, who had been battling injury setbacks.
Rönnlund’s return to the world cup circuit was welcomed by the Swedish team, with national team coach Anders Byström expressing optimism about her comeback. Byström highlighted Rönnlund’s proven ability in freestyle races and emphasized the team’s excitement to provide her with the opportunity to compete again. Rönnlund finished in 20th place, a commendable result considering her extended absence from competition. Other Swedish skiers in the race included Moa Ilar, who finished 13th, Evelina Crüsell in 25th place, and Märta Rosenberg in 34th. Their performances contributed to the overall assessment of the Swedish team’s strength and depth.
The Les Rousses races provided valuable insights into the current state of the women’s cross-country skiing field. Diggins’s dominant performance confirmed her status as a leading force, while Karlsson’s return injected renewed excitement into the competition. Andersson’s consistent presence in the top ranks further solidified Sweden’s position as a strong contender in the world cup. The weekend’s events set the stage for continued excitement and anticipation as the season progresses, with upcoming races promising further battles and compelling storylines.
The Les Rousses weekend featured a full program of events, including classic sprint races on Saturday and 20km classic mass start races on Sunday. These races provided further opportunities for athletes to showcase their skills and compete for valuable world cup points. The varied race formats tested the skiers’ versatility and strategic abilities, adding another layer of complexity to the competition. The results of these races further shaped the overall world cup standings and provided valuable insights into the athletes’ form and preparedness for upcoming championship events. The Les Rousses world cup represented an important milestone in the season, marking the return of key athletes and setting the stage for the remaining races.
