For the Norwegian cross-country skiing star, the season premiere was a disappointment. Now, the World Cup in Ruka will take place without her, as she searches for answers.

Heading into the season premiere at Beitostølen, Anne Kjersti Kalvå was optimistic and eager. The 32-year-old from Lundamo, Norway, spoke of a preseason where most things had gone according to plan. She entered the season feeling like she had “a body ready to ski fast” and with a completely different mindset compared to last year.

A day and a half later, the situation was entirely different. By late Saturday morning, the smile was gone, and frustration was evident. After the 10-kilometer classic race, she finished 11th, nearly two minutes behind Therese Johaug and over a minute away from the podium.

“It didn’t feel good. It felt terrible. Disappointing. But it’s still early, so we’ll figure it out,” Kalvå said after the race.

Also Read: Johaug reigns supreme at Beitosølen 10km classic

This performance is not reflective of the level she knows she can achieve. Kjersti Kalvå admits there are no obvious solutions at the moment.

“It’s hard to say. But there was a lack of spark, so I need to come up with something smart,” Kalvå added.

Do you think about it a lot?

“These aren’t the answers you want. Firstly, it doesn’t make for a good start to the season. But maybe it’s just a matter of making a few small adjustments.”

What kind of adjustments?

“I don’t know. We’ll need to evaluate.”

Kalvå didn’t start Sunday’s freestyle race. Instead, she went home to search for answers.

When the Norwegian World Cup squad for Ruka was announced on Monday afternoon, it wasn’t surprising that Anne Kjersti Kalvå was absent.

“Her body didn’t respond as desired during the season premiere at Beitostølen. She will now prioritize training at home and return to competition when she’s ready,” said team doctor Ove Feragen in a press release from the Norwegian Ski Association.

Read More: Norwegian national team for the Ruka World Cup

The Dream of the World Championships Lives On

Kalvå was the star of the Norwegian squad during the 2023 World Championships in Planica, winning gold in the relay and silver in the 30-kilometer race. This season, the goal is the World Championships on home soil. But this time, a different event holds top priority.

“The event that means the most to me is the 10-kilometer classic. I feel that’s where I can deliver my very best race. I enjoy classic skiing and individual starts.”

For those aiming for that specific event, the World Cup premiere in Ruka is especially important. The qualification races for the 10-kilometer classic in the World Championships include the 10-kilometer classic at Ruka on November 30 and the Norwegian Championships at Gåsbu in mid-January. Additionally, the 20-kilometer classic individual start in Davos, Switzerland, on December 15 and the 15-kilometer classic mass start in the Tour de Ski also count.

Now, the path to the World Championships has undoubtedly become more challenging for Anne Kjersti Kalvå.

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