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A message came from the Norwegian Ski Association on Tuesday that Norway will not participate in the two cross-country World Cup weekends before Christmas. On Wednesday, Sweden decided the same.
It makes more people react. According to Aftonbladet, the coach of the Russian national team, Markus Cramer, is not very happy with the handling of the International Ski Federation (FIS).
– They haven’t had a backup plan. I’m cursed by it, and now exactly what many of us have said is going to happen, says Cramer, according to the newspaper.
– Hard to understand
Russian coach Markus Cramer says he is cursed in the FIS. Photo: Terje Pedersen / NTB
Cramer also believes that Norway and Sweden do not act in solidarity, writes Aftonbladet.
The coaches of the United States and Italy teams also question the decision of Norway and Sweden.
– It is difficult to understand that you are retiring now, what is it that you could not predict ?, asks the coach of the US team Chris Grover, according to Aftonbladet.
Norway is probably also in charge of this season’s edition of the Tour de Ski. No final decision has been made regarding participation in the tour, but the ski association does not envisage participation from Norway. The first stage is January 1.
The big goal of the season for cross-country skiers is the World Championships in Oberstdorf, Germany, which take place in late February and early March.
– Criticism cannot be pointed out more clearly.
This weekend, the first World Cup races of the season were held in Ruka, Finland. Norway’s cross country manager Espen Bjervig tells NRK about what he believes was very poor compliance with infection control measures during the opening of the World Cup.
Cross country coach Espen Bjervig was not satisfied with the infection control measures during the World Cup premiere. Photo: Geir Olsen / NTB
– We feel that we knew an approximate world characterized by coincidences. We cannot point out the criticisms more clearly when we retire the squad from the World Cup before Christmas, Bjervig tells NRK.
Pierre Mignerey, FIS race director, tells NRK that he has the impression that most nations were happy with the opening of the World Cup in Ruka, with the exception of Norway. Mignerey goes on to say that some nations understand Norway’s decision, while others are critical.
– The impression of many nations is that Ruka was far from being a disaster. Many had the impression that it was really good. Some don’t understand Norway, Mignerey tells NRK.
