That is, victories in the four biggest events, Marcialonga, Jizerská50, Vasaloppet, and Birkebeinerrennet.

“I started skiing when I was very young, but there was no focus on getting good early. In addition to cross-country skiing, there was football, gymnastics, and running. In general, we had a very active and varied everyday life at home. I think this has given me a lot in the form of a solid, versatile background that makes the body withstand a shock.”

“When I was 15 years old, I started ski high school. It was only when cross-country skiing became a little more serious. At first as a traditional cross-country skier, but after three years in the senior class, I wanted to try something new and wanted to test myself with long-distance skiing,” says Ida Dahl.

She now lives in Östersund, Sweden, and is studying for a master’s degree in engineering at the University of Umeå. Ida likes to have something next to the focus on skiing.

The secret behind the significant progress of the last two seasons is simply continuity in training and a clear goal with every single session, every single day.

“I train a lot, but very much like most others in Visma Ski Classics. I have found a balance between training and recovery in recent years, which is perhaps the most important reason for the great improvement in how the body performs weekend after weekend. It is important to trust yourself and make the choices that are right for you.”

“The rest of the season will be fascinating, and now the absolute biggest challenges and highlights await. I hope that the form will stay good in the competitions that come. Especially for us Swedes, the Vasaloppet is something exceptional. It will also be a little extra exciting when I have won the first two competitions in the Grand Classics. It is important to be sharpened and careful in the period ahead,” says the 26-year-old.

“Exactly that with the Grand Classics series is something that triggers me extra. I’ll admit it. It’s a fun and hefty position to be in, and it’s certainly not something I thought was possible before the season started. Now I’m just trying to live in the present and enjoy life. In any case, I promise to give everything to meet that challenge.”

Team Ramudden is an insanely strong team. Last year, Lina Korsgren was the great queen, and with Max Novak as a solid skier, the team is always with and fighting at the top. Ida Dahl says that they benefit from each other and set up team tactics together to make the best of each competition.

“As a young skier, I encourage more people to test long-distance skiing. The competitions are much tougher and a more fun challenge. Anyone can manage 10 kilometers, but double poling the races we do today is not for everyone. Opportunity is also more than with a traditional cross-country skier.”

The holder of three bibs in Visma Ski Classics has as her main goal to keep them all, especially the yellow jersey that attracts the most. Towards the end, Ida believes that it is essential to have fun on the way to the goal. Without joy and well-being, no one performs at their best.

In several of the remaining ski races, several of the skiers who traditionally go cross-country skiing will show up. Marit Bjørgen will start in the Vasaloppet, and Ida will take that match.

“It is always fun and inspiring to be on the starting line with the best, and it is guaranteed full speed from the start. Then all you have to do is make a bet and keep up. The possibilities for Therese Johaug to appear in the Birkebeinerrennet are present, and she is by far the world’s best skier. Her engine is extreme, and she is incredibly skilled in classic skiing. She will probably be challenging to keep up with, but at the same time, we, as double polers, have become both stronger and faster. I think it is entirely possible to double pole from Johaug.”

“I encourage more people to join long-distance running and start betting more and focus on upper body strength. Variety in training is still important to stimulate all muscle groups and avoid injuries. Rest is always an important factor and perhaps the most difficult to achieve. Most people are very good at training, but those who are best are also best at rest when needed. Nutrition with enough food and at the right time will always be a success factor. Unfortunately, there are more who struggle with just that. I try not to put too much thought and focus on just this. For my part, I eat when I’m hungry until I get full and always what I feel like,” Ida Dahl concludes.