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Amundsen was in his own class in the 15km freestyle during the Norwegian Cup at Natrudstilen on Saturday morning. He led from the start and eventually beat Johannes Høsflot Klæbo in second place with 17.1 seconds.
– When you’re in great shape, like I noticed you were today, then it’s fun all the way. So it’s not the violent pain from the start and you can almost have time to enjoy yourself a bit along the way, so it was raw, the winner tells NRK.
The victory would normally have earned him a place on the Norwegian team for the World Cup in Davos next weekend, where 15km freestyle is also included in the program.
PREVIEW: Harald Østberg Amundsen appears as an international high-format freestyle racer.
Photo: Terje Pedersen / NTB
– Kjipt
But Harald Østberg Amundsen cannot travel there, as Norway has chosen not to send teams due to the risk of infection.
– I’ve worked against Davos all year, so it’s no secret that it’s awkward when you first deliver in Beitostølen and here, and then there won’t be Davos. So I’m disappointed with that, he confirms.
Hans Christer Holund, perhaps Norway’s best at this distance, did not take part in Saturday’s race. But much of the Norwegian elite was in their place, including Johannes Høsflot Klæbo, who won the opening of the World Cup in Ruka last weekend. NRK cross-country expert Fredrik Aukland believes Amundsen’s career is world-class.
“He has managed his race exactly well, he has gone fantastically technically, he is definitely in good shape, so I understand that he would like to start at Davos,” says Aukland.
Although Amundsen is disappointed, he will not criticize the decision of the Ski Federation.
– The association has probably made the right decision. There are many factors to consider when making such a decision. As a runner I just see that I want to go, but then there is a lot of logistics and other things that are probably the reason why they choose not to go. But for me it is uncomfortable, repeat.
The coach of the national team, Eirik Myhr Nossum, understands that Amundsen would like to compete, but is clear that the decision he made is the right one.
– I am not willing to take risks with the best athletes. At worst, getting this destroys the race, so we think it’s too big of a risk, he tells NRK.
VM current
In return, Harald Østberg Amundsen can be glad to be in the process of getting into the discussion about a World Cup ticket to Oberstdorf, where 15km freestyle is also on the program.
Because although for most people it is an undescribed magazine, it is not the first time that the young man presents himself.
In January, he took NM silver in the 15km freestyle, when he was only beaten by Finn-Hågen Krogh. He was also number two in distance at the national opening in Beitostølen two weeks ago, where only Hans Christer Holund was faster.
Therefore, Nossum has the following tips:
– I advise you to be attentive to the World Cup. And if you get a crown, or come into close contact with someone and stay in a hotel room for ten days, then you don’t go to the World Cup. If he maintains the form he is in now, and I think he will do quite well, then he is quite relevant to the World Cup.
Jan Thomas Jensen, who hung on Amundsen in the final round, finished third in Saturday’s race at Natrudstilen. Simen Hegstad Krüger, who was perhaps the biggest favorite in the role, had a black day and was never in the winning battle.
