Heidi Weng thinks of Ebba Andersson and Frida Karlsson when she hears the word ‘fiasco’

Heidi Weng has had a slow start to the Tour de Ski but when people start talking about a “fiasco” she thinks of Ebba Andersson and Frida Karlsson.

“I’m not going to bury myself or listen to the word ‘fiasco’,” says the Norwegian veteran.

She was 52nd in the sprint, eighth in the 10 km and 20th in today’s 5 km mass start. Overall the two-time Tour de Ski winner is 14th, more than two minutes behind leader Jessie Diggins.

Weng isn’t looking to Diggins, who has pulled away day by day, but across the border to Sweden, where Ebba Andersson sits 12th and Frida Karlsson 16th.

“Ebba Andersson didn’t do so well here last year either, but she was the best at the world championships. Things can change quickly,” Weng told VG.

Nearly all performances in the Tour de Ski are measured against the upcoming Olympics, where the skiers will be in Val di Fiemme when the tour concludes.

“Ebba and Frida are at their best when it matters,” Weng said. “I have always trusted them when it comes to big events — they are at their best then.” Weng, who has experience of peaking in the tour and then failing at the following major championships, does not want a repeat this season.

“I don’t want that to happen now. But I’d like to be a bit higher up, I must admit,” said Weng, who will start tomorrow’s 20 km classical pursuit in the second group between Andersson and Karlsson.

All quoted results and positions are from the ongoing Tour de Ski stages referenced in the article.