Norwegian skiing star Kristine Stavås Skistad sidelined by surgery before World Cup season

Norwegian cross-country skiing star Kristine Stavås Skistad will not compete in the upcoming World Cup opener in Ruka due to a recent abdominal surgery. The 25-year-old sprinter was reported to have undergone the surgery unexpectedly last Friday.

The Norwegian Ski Team announced that her recovery will take precedence in the coming weeks. According to the team's doctor, Ove Feragen, the surgery was necessary and went according to plan. 'Skistad will race when she is ready,' Feragen stated.

Last season, Skistad excelled in the World Cup circuit, securing five sprint victories and finishing second in the sprint cup.

Her absence in Ruka raises questions about her competition schedule, with the main focus now steered towards the World Championships scheduled to take place in Trondheim at the end of February.

In recent seasons, Skistad has been less visible within the national team structure, choosing to train quietly at home in Konnerud. Despite her previous separation from the team, she announced a surprise return to the national team last spring. However, she has since been even more elusive, not appearing at team training camps or meetings after the conclusion of last season.

Teammate Tiril Udnes Weng remarked on the situation, stating that they have been trying to encourage Skistad to join their training sessions, expressing respect for her decisions but noting the team misses her presence. Weng humorously added that she nearly forgot about Skistad but emphasized how valuable Skistad's insights are to the team, as she is keen on supporting her teammates in their endeavors.