Anders Aukland Discusses Petter Northug's Journey Back to Competition

Petter Northug, now 38, has made the decision to refocus on traditional cross-country skiing as he prepares for the upcoming World Championships. Although he retired in 2018, Northug made a comeback during the 2022/2023 season, competing in long-distance events. He is currently working towards qualifying in the shorter distances for the Scandinavian Cup.

In a recent interview with NRK, Northug mentioned, "Even though I will be competing in long-distance races on roller skis, my plan is to train more all-round."

He is well aware of the challenges posed by his age, recognizing the need to adjust his training regimen to include more speed and flexibility, compensating for the physical changes he has experienced over the years.

Adding to the competitive atmosphere, Therese Johaug has confirmed her return for the World Championships in Trondheim, which amplifies the pressure on Northug, who is contemplating his own comeback.

Anders Aukland, regarded as Norway's fittest 50-year-old, has pointed out that Northug's decline in oxygen capacity might impede his ability to compete in shorter distances. However, he believes that effective training methods can help to minimize these challenges. "If Petter were Swedish and not outside the national team, qualifying for the World Championships might be less difficult," Aukland remarked, indicating that Northug's nationality could be a limiting factor.

Torgeir Bjørn, NRK's cross-country skiing expert, remains optimistic about Northug's chances, envisioning a scenario where he joins Johannes Høsflot Klæbo for a team sprint at the World Championships.

Northug himself remains confident, focusing on enhancing his sprinting skills by activating his fast-twitch muscle fibers and incorporating more power into his training plan.