Sweden’s star Ebba Andersson angry about more sprint races – says cross-country is heading the wrong way

Swedish cross-country star Ebba Andersson says she is not enthused about the growing number of sprint events in the FIS Cross‑Country World Cup. In an interview with Sweden’s Expressen, she calls it a pity for the sport that development is moving in that direction, adding that she wants the discipline’s historical core—longer-distance racing—to be preserved.

The World Cup opens in Ruka on Friday, with classic sprint races on Saturday. This season’s World Cup calendar lists 13 sprints, up from 11 last season. Andersson, a five‑time world champion and a two‑time Olympic relay medalist, is strongest in distance races rather than in sprints. She even sampled the long‑distance Ski Classics circuit last season. Asked how many World Cup sprints it would take for her to shift focus to tours like Ski Classics, she replied that it hasn’t gone that far and she won’t abandon traditional World Cup distance racing for now.

Offering a contrasting view, Swedish sprint specialist Marcus Grate welcomes the increase, arguing that sprints are highly entertaining and bring fans closer to the action. In his view, the calendar could include a few more sprint races, noting that they still make up less than half of the program.

Yle notes it will broadcast the Ruka World Cup round across its channels, with coverage starting Friday at 11:25 local time with the women’s 10 km race.