Sweden's cross-country skiing team will hold their annual autumn training camp at home this year ©Getty Images

Sweden's cross-country skiing team will hold their annual autumn training camp at home this year instead of travelling overseas as normal.

The decision has been taken due to the coronavirus pandemic causing increasing uncertainty and travel restrictions.

France was due to be the destination for this year's camp at the end of August but national team manager Anders Byström said that would no longer be the case.

Instead, a camp will begin in Trollhättan on August 24 which will build-up to roller-ski competitions as part of Alliance Race Action Week on August 27 and 28.

Future camps will then be held in Torsby and Sollefteå.

"Considering the world situation and the pandemic that continues to grow in many countries, we believe together with the medical team's knowledge and experience that we should take our responsibility and stay in Sweden during the autumn," Byström said.

Swedish skiers were due to travel to France ©Getty Images
Swedish skiers were due to travel to France ©Getty Images

"The risks of traveling to France or Italy this autumn are considered too great compared to the profits. 

"This applies, for example, to increased spread of infection, the risk of becoming ill with COVID-19, ending up in quarantine situations or situations where we cannot travel home as we wish."

The Swedish Ski Association said they always had a back-up plan in mind for the camp and Byström said staying at home would not negatively impact the athletes.

"We have awesome training facilities here at home in Sweden in our contract locations, so I am not worried that the training will be negatively affected," he said.