Zoff of the cross-country skiing stars: “I hate hearing that”

Norway's cross-country skiers are known for always making their opinions clear. This is no different with the Russia conflict. The sanctions against Russian athletes must be maintained, Even Northug said in a recent interview with the Norwegian daily newspaper VG .

“I don’t want to see a Russian flag or Russian national costume,” were the clear words of the 26-year-old, who is the younger brother of retired Norwegian star Petter Northug. Because: The war must have consequences for Russia, even if it would of course be a loss in terms of sport if top stars like Alexander Bolshunov were not there, the Norwegian continues.

Even Northug has a clear opinion. © AFP / JENS SCHLUETER

Background: Russia's athletes have been excluded from international competitions since the outbreak of war in Ukraine. It is still unclear what the new season will look like. In any case, Northug receives support for his statements from Johannes Høsflot Klæbo, the superstar of the cross-country skiing scene. He has emphasized several times that Russian athletes are currently not welcome at international competitions. The return carriage from Russia It didn't take long for a reaction from Russia. “The Russian athletes go to the World Cup and the World Championships, but not to him personally. His opinion is the last thing. He should bite his tongue,” said an angry Yuri Borodavko, coach of the Russian cross-country skiers, in the direction of Northug. “I would say the level of hypocrisy has reached a new level. Due to the absence of the Russians, he (Northug) has the opportunity to get promoted to the Norwegian team, since, as far as I know, he is not a main character there. So he pursues everything out of selfish interest,” says Russian cross-country skiing expert Dmitry Guberniev.

Russia's superstar Alexander Bolshunov, currently the best cross-country skier in the world alongside Klæbo, also heard the dispute. In conversation with Ria Sport he explains: “I try not to think about it, but of course I want to compete internationally to prove who really is the strongest cross-country skier in the World Cup. It's not very pleasant to hear Johannes Klæbo say he doesn't want to see the Russians at the World Cup. I hate to hear that.” It will be interesting to see what happens next in this explosive matter.

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Zoff of the cross-country skiing stars: “I hate hearing that”

Although the World Cup winter is still miles away, things are running high in the cross-country skiing camp. The stars of the scene engage in a mud fight through the media.

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