The World Cup skiathlon in Falun on Sunday has drawn criticism from the Swedish national cross-country skiing team, particularly following the recent conclusion of the Winter Olympics in Italy. The skiathlon consists of a 20-kilometer combined race, with skiers first competing in 10 kilometers of classical skiing followed by 10 kilometers of freestyle. This demanding format has raised concerns among athletes and support teams, who are still recovering from the grueling Olympic competition.

Ski athlete Moa Ilar from the Swedish team has openly questioned the timing of the skiathlon, expressing disbelief over the decision to hold such a challenging race so shortly after the Olympics. She emphasized the increase in workload for the wax technicians and support staff, who must prepare equipment for both skiing techniques. Ilar's remarks highlight a broader concern within the team about the scheduling and the mental and physical toll on athletes who are expected to perform at their best again so soon after a major international event.

The criticisms reflect the ongoing discussion regarding the balance between competitive scheduling and the well-being of athletes in high-stakes sports. With many competitors participating in the skiathlon, and especially with a strong Swedish presence in Falun, the pressure on support teams only intensifies. Ilar strongly advocates for reconsideration of such event planning to ensure the health and performance of athletes in the demanding world of competitive skiing.