Sprint Star Discusses Financial Struggles Impacting Norwegian Skiing – "They Don't Affect Results"

Erik Valnes is competing for the seventh time in Muonio, Oloksella, this time as the only Norwegian star due to budget constraints.

Erik Valnes won the sprint event in Olokse, outpacing competitors Lauri Vuorinen and Federico Pellegrino. Many Norwegian skiers from both the B team and club levels have been training and competing this week on the trails of Olostunturi.

However, only sprint star Erik Valnes from the A team was present, and he didn't share any spoils during his sprint success.

Last year, Valnes continued from Muonio to Ruka, where he also won a traditional sprint World Cup event. Such success is not expected to be a surprise this year either.

Valnes is familiar with Oloksella, having driven 350 kilometers from his home in Tromsø to train and compete for the seventh time.

He admires Finnish expertise, stating, "Finland is skilled at preparing the trails early. You have expertise in artificial snow that we lack in Norway."

Last year, Norway's A team trained in Olokse, and that was the plan again this year. However, the Norwegian Ski Federation faced harsh economic realities. Last season produced nearly a million euros in losses, and major sponsors Equinor and Sparebank1 will be leaving after this season.

Valnes explains, "The cancellation of the Oloksella camp was one of the cost-saving measures. The training program for the national team has been reduced, and remaining training will be carried out at a lower cost than before."

At 28 years old, Valnes is a smart and independent athlete, characteristics that the Norwegian national team is full of.

He notes, "If there is less money than before, it should clearly be used for the competition season. Because if we save on that, there’s no chance of succeeding."

Despite the financial struggles, he believes the team spirit has even improved since their budget was cut. Valnes points out that the national team has recorded two consecutive negative financial statements totaling more than three million euros.

Interestingly, he comments that the team spirit has improved since the budget cuts were made. The upcoming World Championships in Trondheim, taking place in February-March, are bringing promising revenue to the Norwegian Ski Federation.

"Tickets have already sold more than for the Oslo World Championships in 2011. The federation will surely find big sponsors post-events," he remarks.

Moreover, internal competition for World Championship spots has not hampered team spirit, as Valnes has secured his position on the team. He aims for the 10km, team sprint, and sprint events.

The team sprint is highly sought after, especially because winning it alongside Johannes Høsflot Klæbo could lead to considerable rewards. Valnes has a strong chance, having previously secured World Championship gold in 2021 in Oberstdorf and Olympic victory in 2022 in Zhangjiakou together with Klæbo.

"The competition for that slot will be intense. It will also be tough in Finland because there’s a good opportunity for a medal with Iivo (Niskanen)," Valnes states about his collaborative potential for medals.

Valnes has celebrated his valuable experience with previous World Championship wins against fierce competitors like Ristomatti Hakola and Joni Mäki.

In contrast to other Norwegian athletes who have received World Championship gold since 2011 in Oslo, Therese Johaug is set to attend the World Championships and aims for substantial success.

Petter Northug has hinted at wanting to join the intensely competitive World Championship roster. Valnes gives a wry smile in response, commenting, "This is not realistic. It's some sort of clever publicity stunt."