Why Sweden’s biggest stars skip the Davos World Cup weekend

Sweden has announced its squad for this weekend’s FIS Cross-Country World Cup races in Davos, Switzerland. Notably absent are leading distance skiers Ebba Andersson, Frida Karlsson, William Poromaa and Alvar Myhlback.

The Davos program consists of a team sprint, an individual sprint, and a 10 km freestyle race. Given the sprint-heavy schedule, Sweden’s distance stars have chosen to sit out this stop. Their absence creates opportunities for other athletes to step up and compete at World Cup level.

Women selected: - Maja Dahlqvist (Falun–Borlänge SK) - Johanna Hagström (Ulricehamns IF) - Moa Ilar (Falun–Borlänge SK) - Moa Lundgren (Åsarna IK) - Emma Ribom (Piteå Elit SK) - Elina Rönnlund (IFK Umeå) - Jonna Sundling (Piteå Elit SK) - Linn Svahn (Östersund SK)

Men selected: - Edvin Anger (Åsarna IK) - Gustaf Berglund (IFK Mora SK) - Emil Danielsson (Högbo GIF) - Johan Ekberg (IFK Mora SK) - George Ersson (Falun–Borlänge SK) - Anton Grahn (IFK Mora SK) - Marcus Grate (IFK Umeå) - Johan Häggström (Piteå Elit SK) - Eric Rosjö (IFK Mora SK)

The reshuffled lineup gives athletes such as Elina Rönnlund and Marcus Grate a chance to showcase their form on the international stage in Davos.