Refser Norge: – Lack of respect

Various cross-country profiles react strongly to Norway’s absence from the World Cup in Davos this weekend, Dresden next weekend and then the Tour de Ski.

Dagbladet spoke Saturday morning with Germany’s national team manager Peter Schlieckenrieder, who won Olympic silver behind Tor Arne Hetland in the sprint in Salt Lake City in 2002, and is on the spot with German athletes in Davos for today’s sprint and tomorrow’s 10/15 km freestyle.

– It is difficult to understand Norway’s decision. They compete at home in Norway. It is difficult for us to understand the difference. Corona measurements are perfect here at Davos. They have done an excellent job and Davos is one of the safest places to be, says Peter Schlieckenrieder to Dagbladet by phone from the Davos trail.

– We want to have the best present, although I must admit that we will not miss Therese Johaug’s dominance in the distance races. Hopefully it’s more exciting now. Still, I think Norway should have been here, notes the German.

Pellegrino: – Lack of respect

For Italian sprint star Federico Pellegrino, Lahti’s world sprint champion in 2017, Norway’s absence is very difficult to accept. The Italian has told Dagbladet many times that it is precisely the duels with Johannes Høsflot Klæbo that inspire him.

– I respect your choice, but I think the risk of competing here at Davos is small. I don’t think the risk is greater than in Ruka or on high-speed skates on downhill slopes, where a fall can put the race at risk, Pellegrino tells Italpress, before continuing the criticism with an eloquent metaphor:

– There is a great disappointment and a touch of sadness in me. It is like sitting in a turbulent plane, where the pilot parachutes out of the plane together with the athletes in “business class”, while the other athletes have to stay and try to save the plane. It seems to me a lack of respect, concludes the Italian.

Pellegrino further says that he will continue to compete in the World Cup despite Norway’s absence, because he feels the responsibility of the organizers to do what they can to allow the athletes to compete in the least risky conditions possible.

Facing criticism, cross country manager Espen Bjervig says:

– I fully understand and respect that others prioritize and choose differently from us. In the different world we find ourselves in now, however, this is the right decision for us. Prioritizing and caring for health comes first, Bjervig tells Dagbladet.

– Then we can compete again when the situation is more stable. With that said, I wish Pellegrino the best of luck in this weekend’s race.

Norway explanation and plan

The requirement of a 10-day quarantine with strict restrictions for training after a stay in the so-called “red” countries makes participation in the Norwegian World Cup practically very difficult.

Therese Johaug’s coach Pål Gunnar Mikkelsplass explains the world champion’s break in competition as follows:

– The burden of walking the gutters, traveling and all the uncertainty that exists in the current situation of the crown is very great. The heavy load requires a great recovery after the Tour de Ski. Then you have a bad time to sharpen your form in a World Cup, which is the most important thing for us, explains Mikkelsplass to Dagbladet.

Cross country manager Espen Bjervig informs Dagbladet that Norway initially plans to participate in several World Cup weekends after the Ski Tour, then probably Falun, Lahti and Ulricehamn, where it is possible to drive a car instead of flying. .

For Dagbladet, Pierre Mignerey, FIS race director, says today that he is nonetheless disappointed with Norway’s decision and his great absence from the next World Cup race.

Klæbo’s life outside of sport sparks debate in Germany

– Yes, I am disappointed. We work to make sure the best are on the starting line. This is not good news for cross-country skiing when we lose a leading nation like Norway at the starting line. No one is happy Norway is gone, Mignerey tells Dagbladet.

– At the same time, I fully respect the decision in light of the quarantine rules in Norway. We must respect that. It’s clear that quarantine rules make it difficult for Norwegian cross-country skiers

Unexpected Finnish support

Finnish cross country hero Sami Jauhojärvi, who is currently training to become a professional coach, tells Dagbladet that he understands the Norwegian decision well.

The Sochi Olympic champion further says that he probably would have done the same if he was still active.

Gunde Svan surprised by Klæbo’s choice: – Adult points

– It is a shame that Norway does not go to the World Cup race before the championship, but I understand the decision very well. Personally, I would not have risked anything before the World Cup if I had a medal chance. This decision seems to be a signal to FIS that something needs to change in its decision-making process in the future. Society has changed and the sports system has adapted before, says Jauhojärvi to Dagbladet.

Finnish cross-country skiing is also cautious in its approach to overseas travel, but has plans to take part in the Tour de Ski. There will also be Sweden, which, like Norway and Finland, will take on the World Cup races before Christmas.

However, Mignerey assures that it will have no consequences for Norway beyond the obvious.

Poland responds

– Of course, it will be a financial loss for your athletes, who miss opportunities in the World Cup recap and also in the general cups. But there will be no other consequences for Norway. We do not have the opportunity to sanction. This is up to each individual what they line up for, says the FIS race director.