A World Cup season without Norwegian cross-country skiers? That would be a sporting disaster, because the country's athletes have dominated for years. But the scenario of a boycott is realistic. Because the Russian team could return after the suspension.
Powerful threat from Norway: If the suspension of Russia and Belarus is lifted, the winter sports nation could boycott the cross-country skiing World Cup next winter. "It would be difficult for us to compete with the Russians as long as they are at war with Ukraine," Torbjörn Skogstad, chairman of the Norwegian Cross-Country Committee, told media representatives.
An exclusion of Russian athletes is "even more obvious now than in February," said Skogstad, referring to the partial mobilization of the reservists by President Vladimir Putin. Should Russia participate in the World Cup, "we would have to make a decision," said Skogstad. "We would have to discuss and assess the situation as soon as it arises. There would be many consequences. We have a responsibility to do the right thing. We have to uphold the values we stand for.
Skogstad rejects the participation of athletes from Russia and Belarus under a neutral flag, such as in tennis or cycling. "That would only keep up appearances and would have little use," says Skogstad. Norway's cross-country boss also went on a confrontational course with the International Ski Federation FIS. The fact that FIS General Secretary Michel Vion recently opened the door for Russia to return to the World Cup was "at best an unfortunate statement", Skogstad criticized.
Norway had particularly dominated the men's World Cup last season. Johannes Hösflot Kläbo won the overall standings with a large lead over Russian Alexander Bolshunov. In addition, five of the Dominator's compatriots, Erik Valnes, Didrik Tönseth, Martin Löwström Nyenget, Harald Östberg Amundsen and Pal Golberg, made it into the top 10. Norwegian cross-country skiers also won five gold medals, one silver and two bronze medals at the Olympic Winter Games in Beijing .
