Cross Country Skiing
Figures show: How many times Russian skiers have been drug-tested
December 11, 2025 / SVT Sport
SVT reports that FIS says 136 out‑of‑competition tests were conducted on Russian cross-country skiers this year, a number Swedish anti‑doping expert Åke Andrén‑Sandberg calls far too low. FIS provided broader stats for 2023/24 and 2024/25 showing most tests targeted cross‑country, while Russia has been suspended from FIS events but could return under restrictions. The article highlights ongoing concerns about the adequacy of anti‑doping oversight as discussions continue about Russian athletes’ participation in international competitions.
Cross-country: Johanna Hagström dropped from the team sprint in Davos
December 11, 2025 / SVT Sport
Despite winning last weekend’s World Cup sprint in Trondheim, Johanna Hagström has not been selected for Sweden’s team sprint lineup in Davos. Sweden will field pairs Maja Dahlqvist/Jonna Sundling and Emma Ribom/Linn Svahn, while the men’s pairs are Johan Häggström/Edvin Anger and Emil Danielsson/Anton Grahn. Hagström says it’s tough not to start but will focus on being fresh for the individual sprint.
FIS clears two Russian cross-country skiers to compete as neutrals at Davos World Cup
December 10, 2025 / Yle
The International Ski Federation (FIS) has approved nine Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete as Individual Neutral Athletes in Olympic qualification events, including the Cross-Country World Cup in Davos. Russian skiers Savely Korostelev and Darja Nepryayeva are cleared to start as soon as this weekend, following CAS guidance that eligible athletes who meet IOC neutrality criteria must be allowed to participate. FIS board member Martti Uusitalo said the number approved is small and the neutrality vetting follows the IOC protocol used for Paris 2024.
Cross-country: Alvar Myhlback ill — could miss Ski Classics opener
December 10, 2025 / SVT Sport
Swedish long-distance specialist Alvar Myhlback, 19, has been battling a cold since his breakthrough World Cup weekend in Trondheim and may miss this weekend’s Ski Classics season opener in Bad Gastein. He is skipping the Davos World Cup to focus on long-distance racing, saying he still hopes to start despite being “on the edge.” Teammate Emil Persson has suggested Myhlback’s sprint finish suits Olympic courses, a view Myhlback shares.
Alvar Myhlback ill – may miss the season opener
December 10, 2025 / Sveriges Radio (Radiosporten)
Swedish cross-country skier Alvar Myhlback, fresh off a third place in the World Cup sprint in Trondheim last weekend, has fallen ill. He now risks missing the opening race of the Ski Classics long-distance series this coming weekend. “I’ve been sick,” he said when asked about his status for the premiere.
Cross-country skiing: Little‑experienced Filipino ignites World Cup debate
December 10, 2025 / SPORT1
Edward Limbaga, a 48‑year‑old Filipino newcomer, started the 10 km freestyle at the Trondheim World Cup and finished last after multiple crashes, prompting safety and fairness concerns from established athletes. His entry was permitted by a temporary FIS rule that lets competitors from small XC nations with up to 800 points start during the first three World Cup weekends to chase Olympic qualification. Criticism from Jan Thomas Jenssen and Mika Vermeulen contrasts with Limbaga’s view that he is trying to follow rules while pursuing a 2026 Olympic dream, with organizers citing scheduling and daylight limits for not starting slower skiers at the back.
Cross-country skiing: Emil Persson on Alvar Myhlback — “The Olympic finishing straight suits him”
December 10, 2025 / SVT Sport
Emil Persson says he was not surprised by 19‑year‑old Alvar Myhlback’s breakthrough podium in the Trondheim World Cup sprint and believes the Olympic course finish in Val di Fiemme could suit him. Persson, Myhlback’s teammate in the long‑distance Ski Classics series, stresses it’s Myhlback’s choice whether to target the 2026 Olympics but praises his unique path between long‑distance and traditional racing. The piece notes Myhlback’s Vasaloppet win at 18 and frames the discussion around his potential for Milan–Cortina 2026.
Official: These Russians and Belarusians are cleared to compete in the World Cup
December 10, 2025 / SVT Sport
FIS has published the first list of Russian and Belarusian athletes approved to compete this season as neutrals after CAS overturned FIS’s blanket ban. Cross-country skiers Saveliy Korostelev and Daria Nepryayeva are cleared and could start in Davos this weekend; seven others are from freeski, big air and alpine. Team entries remain barred, strict neutrality and anti‑doping conditions apply, and IOC approval will still be required for any Olympic participation at Milano–Cortina 2026.
FIS clears three Russians and six Belarusians to compete under neutral flag
December 10, 2025 / Sveriges Radio (Radiosporten)
The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) has approved nine athletes from Russia and Belarus to enter World Cup events under a neutral flag. The list includes cross‑country skiers Savely Korostelev and Daria Nepryayeva, alongside freestyle/freeski and alpine names. The decision opens the door for their participation at the international World Cup level despite ongoing restrictions on national representation.
Cross-country skiing: Russia could cost Sweden an Olympic quota spot: “It’s possible”
December 10, 2025 / SVT Sport
SVT reports that Russian skier Saveliy Korostelev has been granted neutral status and will start in the Davos World Cup, which could affect Olympic quota allocations for Milan–Cortina 2026. Because Russia can now compete for one of the last ten quota places, Sweden’s men may end up with one fewer Olympic start, depending on whether additional athletes from non‑qualified nations achieve under 300 FIS points. Swedish national team boss Anders Byström and expert Anders Blomquist react, noting the decision stems from the CAS ruling allowing neutral participation and that final quota clarity may not come until mid‑January.
Cross-country skiing: Moa Ilar explains her breakthrough — “Not so bad to be injured”
December 09, 2025 / SVT Sport
Sweden’s Moa Ilar says an operated foot injury last spring may have helped trigger her strong start to the season. After double podiums at the Swedish season opener in Gällivare, she has already finished 3rd in the 10 km classic in Ruka and 2nd in the 10 km freestyle in Trondheim, and was just hundredths from the skiathlon podium. Ilar says many things have fallen into place, and the results have boosted her confidence.
Cross-country skiing: Sweden names team for Davos World Cup: “A little extra nerves”
December 09, 2025 / SVT Sport
Sweden has announced its cross‑country squad for this weekend’s Davos World Cup, which doubles as a key Olympic selection event. Olympic-qualified stars Ebba Andersson, Frida Karlsson and William Poromaa will skip Davos, and Alvar Myhlback is absent due to the Ski Classics premiere, while Marcus Grate returns and Elina Rönnlund makes her World Cup season debut. The program features team sprint (Fri) followed by freestyle sprint (Sat) and 10 km freestyle individual start (Sun).