More Details on the Norwegian Team’s ‘Mess’ – Sprint Star Out of World Championship Opener

Norwegian skiers have been a topic of discussion even before the World Championships officially kick off on Thursday. Some notable challenges have already emerged, including the illness troubles for Finland with Iivo Niskanen and Perttu Hyvärinen, and issues within the Norwegian team as well.

Within the Norwegian camp, there have been setbacks. The women’s team is affected by the flu of head coach Sjur Ole Svarstad, and former legend Marit Björgen is taking on an increased coaching role. For the upcoming sprint, the Norwegian women’s team will be represented by Kristine Stavås Skistad, Julie Myhre, Mathilde Myhrvold, and Lotta Udnes Weng.

The spotlight, however, is on the men’s side. In unusual circumstances during Wednesday’s training, Erik Valnes abruptly left the session, reportedly traveling with his coach Arild Monsen. When asked about the incident, head coach Eirik Myhr Nossum expressed his surprise, noting that Valnes had indeed interrupted his training.

According to reports from Norwegian broadcaster NRK, Valnes even reassured observers with a casual “it's fine” after a minor head shake, but further details soon emerged. The Norwegian manager, Ulf Morten Aunen, later revealed that something had indeed happened to Valnes. By Wednesday, the team confirmed that due to lower back pain in the lower region, Valnes would be unable to participate in Thursday’s sprint race. He will be replaced by Ansgar Evensen.

Other members of the Norwegian sprint squad include Håvard Solås Taugböl, Johannes Höstflot Kläbo, Even Northug, and Matz William Jenssen. Valnes, who has achieved five podium finishes in sprint events this season and holds both World Championship and Olympic team sprint gold medals, as well as a personal World Championship sprint silver from 2021, was regarded as one of Kläbo’s toughest challengers.

The sprint race will be contested in free technique, with Kläbo, the reigning world champion, anchoring the Norwegian team. All previous podium finishes for Valnes have come from the traditional style, making his sudden withdrawal a significant blow for the team.

This development adds to the unfolding narrative of the Norwegian team’s internal struggles as they prepare for an important international event.