Cross-Country Stars' Beito Program Remains Unchanged – Sprint Will Not Be Like at the World Championships

The sprint event at the Beitostølen season opener for cross-country skiing will take place in classical style, defying the demands from some participants who preferred freestyle similar to this year’s World Championships in Granåsen. The Norwegian Ski Federation's cross-country committee made the final decision after consultations with stakeholders including national team members, regional teams, and private clubs. The majority supported classical style for the sprint instead of changing to freestyle, which would have aligned with the style used in the Granåsen championships.

Johannes Høsflot Klæbo and other national team athletes expressed a preference for maintaining the classical format at Beitostølen. Although there were arguments for freestyle to ensure richer competition opportunities leading up to World Championship selections, Erik Husby, the organizing official, noted that there is adequate snow for a classical course, enhancing Beitosprint’s quality in this discipline.

With the Beitosprint in classical style, the first freestyle sprint for the country's elite skiers will take place during the World Cup event in Lillehammer on December 7. This signifies the beginning of the competition for World Championship berths. Additional freestyle sprints later in the season include events in Davos and the Tour de Ski, as well as the Norwegian Championships on January 16, 2025, in Vang near Hamar. The Beitosprint is scheduled for November 22.

(©NTB)