Østberg Amundsen Takes NM Gold in Dramatic Sprint Against Surprise Sensation

Østberg Amundsen took NM gold in a dramatic sprint against the sensation Holbæk - Eurosport

Harald Østberg Amundsen was strongest in the final centimeters, clinching the NM gold in the joint-start event with ski change ahead of the surprising Mathias Holbæk and Thomas Mollestad.

The finish was a nail-biting duel between Mathias Holbæk from Il Vindbjart and Harald Østberg Amundsen from Asker Skiklubb over 20 km of ski change at NM in Gåsbu.

In the end, it was nearly impossible to distinguish the two with the naked eye. The photo finish revealed that Østberg Amundsen was marginally ahead.

"He is just a pinky ahead," said NRK commentator Jann Post.

Østberg Amundsen celebrated victory in a race that wasn’t problem free.

"I broke a pole on the classic segment and had to fight my way back. It took a lot of energy, so I was nearly stiff on the skating part. This was also my first hard workout after being sick, which makes the pain in the body greater than when you are in peak form. Once I was in the mix, I thought I had to show who was boss one more year," the Asker skier smiled to the state broadcaster.

Holbæk expressed frustration over missing out on gold.

"I thought I would take it because I felt sharp. I had a tactic to take the inside track, but with hard ice and stiff legs, it was difficult. He gets to have this gold now, so I’ll take him next year," the southerner remarked, referring to Østberg Amundsen.

The race pace was consistently high during the classic segment on Saturday. After the ski change, the leading group consisted of 15 racers, but quickly became smaller.

World Championship hopeful Håvard Moseby was among those who faced trouble and had to withdraw from the race. This is a significant setback for Moseby’s chances of making it to the World Championships in Granåsen. Emil Iversen also struggled and saw his medal hopes fade away.

Towards the end of the skating segment, it became a fierce battle for the medals.

Tough Times for Northug
Petter Northug competed in his third consecutive NM race on Saturday. On Wednesday, the former cross-country king shocked everyone with an eighth place in the 10-kilometer freestyle, while a predictable exit came in the sprint prologue the following day.

On Saturday, Northug had to let go of the lead early in the classic segment. At the ski change, he was 47 seconds behind. Gradually, the distance continued to grow to the 39-year-old from Mosvika.

Northug revealed earlier this week that he is considering the possibility of becoming an Austrian citizen. The aim is to represent the country at next year's Olympics in Milano and the World Championships in Falun in 2027.

Austrian authorities have confirmed that they have been informed of Northug’s wishes.

VM Discussion
The Norwegian team for the 20-kilometer ski change at the World Championships in Granåsen is to consist of five men, as Simen Hegstad Krüger is the defending champion. Krüger's place is personal.

Johannes Høsflot Klæbo, Martin Løwstrøm Nyenget, and Harald Østberg Amundsen have a solid grip on three of the four remaining places based on this season's World Cup results. Jan Thomas Jenssen could well take the fifth.

Sprint strong Jenssen has prioritized training after the Tour de Ski and did not compete in the NM, similar to Klæbo. This could indicate that the Trøndelag native has received hints from the national team management that he's in good standing for the World Championship discussion.