Calle Halfvarsson couldn’t follow when the stint had to be decided.
Sweden eventually came sixth, beaten by countries like Canada and France.
More than a minute and a half separated the defending gold winners, Norway.
After the race, Halfvarsson says he would like to do a classic stage.
– I told the coach that I wanted to do classic, but I just had to accept the task and drive last. But then it turned out it wasn’t a good idea, Calle Halfvarsson tells Viaplay, according to Swedish Express.
Halfvarsson told NRK there was nothing wrong with the skis.
– Nothing worked. The skis were ok, it’s me who can’t do this course.
He keeps on:
– There is no energy boost before five miles. I would have preferred to do a classic stage and make a good trip. It’s a shame, but you just have to try to forget it as much as possible and aim for five thousand.
Nor was William Poromaa a happy man after the stint.
– I do what I can, and it doesn’t work. We will actually fight for a medal, but will end up too far behind. It’s difficult, Poromaa told NRK.
Have pity on the Swedes
TV 2 cross-country expert Petter Skinstad thinks the Swedes have a particular problem in their races.
– I’m just sorry for the Swedes, who don’t seem to know the conditions in Planica in any way, he said.
Skinstad goes on to say that the Swedes simply deserved better.
