Sweden’s Svahn and Two Finnish Athletes Cleared to Race Friday (Updated)

Update: Expressen Sport, a Swedish daily, has reported Linn Svahn and two unnamed Finnish cross-country skiers are cleared to race in Friday’s mass start events after more sensitive Covid-19 PCR tests returned negative.

Original Post: Earlier today, Swedish team doctor Per Andersson announced that Linn Svahn, who won the first two stages of the 2021 Tour de Ski in Val Müstair, has tested positive for COVID-19 on an antigen test. (The antigen test is less sensitive than PCR testing.) Svahn did compete in both distance races in Toblach, though she finished well off the podium, 40th in the 10-kilometer skate and 23rd in the classic.

According to the Swedish new outlet SVT, two additional Finnish athletes were also notified after testing positive with an antigen test.

In the SVT interview, FIS Event Director and organizer of the Tour de Ski Pierre Mignerey was questioned about how these potential positive cases will be handled in terms of the impact to the remainder of the Swiss and Finnish teams and their eligibility to continue with the tour. Mignerey explained that this decision is outside of FIS jurisdiction and is left to the local and national governance.

“It is an answer for the authorities [whether the teams can continue the Tour],” Mignerey said according to translation. “I can not answer and I have no answer. There are many factors that need to be taken into account. We must leave that decision to those who have the competence, that means the doctors and the people in the authorities.”