Cross-country: Maja Dahlqvist on Davos breakthrough: “I didn’t think it was real”

After two grueling World Cup race days in Davos, Sweden’s sprint specialist Maja Dahlqvist produced a surprise in the distance event. Known primarily for sprinting at the very highest level, she was not seen as a podium contender in the women’s 10 km freestyle.

However, a very strong closing section propelled her to a shock fourth place. At the final intermediate time at 7.7 km, the 31‑year‑old was almost 15 seconds behind the leader. From there she launched a big increase in pace, and when she crossed the line she was only six seconds behind the winner, Karoline Simpson‑Larsen, having also gained more than 12 seconds on third‑place Astrid Øyre Slind over the final kilometers.

“I didn’t think it was real when I saw the times,” Dahlqvist told SVT Sport. “I actually felt quite fresh.” Asked about racing despite two tough days, she laughed: “Yes—now it’s time for the Christmas break.”

The result capped a notable weekend in Davos for the Swedish team, which also included podium results in other events during the World Cup stop.