A breed from Edvin Anger and a litter from Gustaf Berglund.
New Year’s Eve’s five kilometer race in the Tour de ski was not a funny story for the Swedish men.
– It was probably the biggest rock bottom in my life, says Edvin Anger.
Edvin Anger had a tough day on the trail on New Year’s Eve.
Photo: MAXIM THORE / BILDBYRÅN
Jonas Eriksson was the best Swede.
Foto: ACTION PRESS / STELLA PICTURES
Wednesday’s five kilometer race was decided in a heat format that was heavily criticized.
The riders in the opening heat had to wait for three more heats to see if their times would be enough to get anywhere on the leaderboard.
The biggest Swedish hopes were in the fourth heat, where, among others, Alvar Myhlback and Edvin Anger were placed.
But it was not a Swedish New Year’s Eve success.
Anger’s nightmare: “Can’t make it”
In a fiasco-like 78th place – worst of all Swedes – Edvin Anger landed. He went out hard and led early in his heat – but then fell heavily.
What was this ending to 2025?
– Yes, it was a rather bad ending. It was probably the biggest low point I’ve had at a competition in my life.
What is happening?
– I don’t know. I have no explanation as to why it is going so terribly badly. It’s frustrating when you want to go fast. This track should suit me well, but then the body has to cooperate.
Before the race, Edvin Anger was fourth in the overall standings of the Tour de Ski. He has now slipped down to tenth place.
Doldisen best: “Great”
American Gus Schumacher won the race and thus took his second World Cup victory.
Jonas Eriksson landed in 28th place. He was the best Swede during Wednesday’s five kilometer race – after being the worst Swede in the first stage.
– The first two stages have been totally useless. It’s not possible to make big changes these days, but I’m not as bad as I was then. You’re not better than your last performance, so it’s nice to have this behind you now, says Eriksson after the race.
Berglund’s litter: “Panic”
Gustaf Berglund was the second best Swede in 30th place. He flipped during his heat.
– You panic, he says and elaborates on his thoughts:
– What am I doing? How the hell am I supposed to get through this? I’m glad there wasn’t a major race in the tour, but this wasn’t what I was hoping for.
