Cross-country skiing: Alvar Myhlback eliminated already in the Toblach sprint prologue

Sweden’s Alvar Myhlback drew significant attention ahead of his Tour de Ski debut in Toblach, Italy, but the 19‑year‑old was eliminated in the freestyle sprint prologue. He finished 7.33 seconds behind the fastest qualifier, Norway’s Johannes Høsflot Klæbo.

Myhlback, who has already been named to Sweden’s Olympic team primarily as a sprinter, said the high speeds in skate sprinting demand perfect technical execution—something he felt he lacked on the day. “I thought I could advance, but when the speed in skating is so high you have to hit every push and ski well technically. I did everything but that today,” he told SVT Sport.

Edvin Anger was the only Swedish skier to advance from qualifying. He said it “felt a bit sluggish,” but added that it was good to be underway.

Several other Swedes were also eliminated in qualifying, including Anton Grahn—who finished just behind Myhlback and 7.55 seconds off Klæbo—along with William Poromaa, Truls Gisselman, Johan Ekberg, Gustaf Berglund, Jonas Eriksson, Eric Rosjö and Johan Eklund.

Swedish sprint qualifying placements: - 17. Edvin Anger +3.98 - 46. Alvar Myhlback +7.33 - 48. Anton Grahn +7.55 - 61. Gustaf Berglund +9.83 - 63. Truls Gisselman +9.93 - 68. William Poromaa +11.20 - 69. Johan Ekberg +11.26 - 104. Eric Rosjö +16.02 - 105. Johan Eklund +16.03

The race was the opening sprint stage of the Tour de Ski in Toblach (Dobbiaco), part of the FIS Cross‑Country World Cup.