A Disappointing Comeback for Frida Karlsson in Les Rousses
The FIS Cross-Country World Cup in Les Rousses, France, witnessed a flurry of excitement, particularly from local schoolchildren who flocked to the tracks, cheering enthusiastically and vying for autographs from the French skiers. Even Swedish star Frida Karlsson, making her return after a month-long hiatus due to a persistent foot injury, found herself amidst a throng of young fans eager for selfies. However, her comeback race proved less triumphant than the fanfare surrounding it. Karlsson finished a disappointing seventh in the women’s 10km freestyle race, 38 seconds behind the victor, American Jessie Diggins. Expressing her frustration, Karlsson admitted her performance was "nothing to write home about," blaming a tense body and scattered thoughts for her inability to focus on her race. She had high hopes going into the competition, given her strong training performance leading up to the event, but ultimately felt she had aimed too high and failed to execute her race plan.
Diggins’ victory marked a dominant performance, leaving the rest of the field scrambling for the remaining podium spots. Germany’s Victoria Carl secured her first podium finish of the season in second place, while Norwegian Astrid Øyre Slind rounded out the top three. Another Swedish contender, Ebba Andersson, was also in the mix for a podium finish, maintaining a strong pace throughout much of the race. However, she faltered in the final lap, unable to keep up with the leaders’ intensifying speed. Andersson, who held the third position halfway through the race, ultimately fell short of a podium finish, mirroring Karlsson’s disappointment.
Moa Ilar, the third-best Swedish finisher in 13th place, attributed her performance to lingering fatigue from the demanding Tour de Ski. She anticipated a chaotic and potentially hazardous mass start race on Sunday, given the short distances, tricky downhill sections, and a large field of 40-50 female skiers. Ilar hinted at a "secret list" of competitors to be wary of, suggesting a degree of tactical maneuvering and potential for collisions in the upcoming mass start event. This comment foreshadowed the anticipated intensity and potential for drama in the following day’s race.
The atmosphere surrounding the upcoming mass start was further amplified by playful banter between Ilar, Karlsson, and Andersson. Karlsson, known for her aggressive racing style, jokingly acknowledged her reputation for causing occasional on-track incidents. When asked about the potential for chaos in the mass start, Karlsson initially downplayed the possibility, but then quipped, "When I’m back, they usually think it might get that way." Andersson interjected, playfully teasing Karlsson about her hotel room being indicative of her racing style. Karlsson retorted with a laugh, claiming she never finds the races chaotic, highlighting the camaraderie and light-hearted rivalry between the Swedish teammates.
While the Swedish team grappled with mixed results, Diggins reveled in her victory, attributing her success to excellent skis and inspiration from her teammate Ben Ogden’s third-place finish in the men’s race. Her enthusiastic post-race interview reflected the American team’s high spirits and strong performance in Les Rousses. The contrasting fortunes of the Swedish and American teams underscored the unpredictable nature of cross-country skiing and the constantly shifting dynamics within the sport.
The World Cup in Les Rousses offered a glimpse into the intense competition, personal narratives, and underlying camaraderie that characterize elite cross-country skiing. From the young fans’ enthusiastic support to the athletes’ candid reflections on their performances, the event showcased the multifaceted nature of the sport. The stage was set for a potentially thrilling and unpredictable mass start race, with the Swedish team looking to redeem themselves and the other competitors aiming to challenge Diggins’ dominance. The weekend’s events promised to continue captivating audiences and further shape the narrative of the ongoing World Cup season.
