– That is our job. Those who are not here are not at work, says Hans Christer Holund clearly to news when asked about how important it is to take part in roller skiing races such as the Oslo Skishow in Holmenkollen. On the women’s side, only Heidi Weng, Lotta Udnes Weng and Tiril Udnes Weng from the national cross-country team ran the 15 kilometres. The other eight were gone for what cross-country manager Espen Bjervig called “unfortunate reasons”. SUPERIOR: Kathrine Harsem, who is not part of the national team, crushed everyone from start to finish. Here on the podium with Hedda Østberg Amundsen, Tiril Udnes Weng and Kristin Austgulen Fosnæs. Photo: Hanna Johre / NTB Holund is clear that it is everyone’s responsibility to keep interest in cross-country skiing up. – It is important that everyone contributes. Then part of our job is to show up at roller skiing races throughout the spring and autumn so that we keep interest up. Plain and simple, cross-country skiing, and all other sports, is entertainment. If we do not show ourselves, we are not doing our part to keep up the interest, he says further. – So you mean that the women are not doing the work they should be doing? – Now I don’t quite know the reason. Some are sick and some have been injured. There are many valid reasons not to go, but if you are healthy and fit, then I think it is important to show up on roller skis, he says. – People quickly forget that Holund is supported by Pål Golberg, Even Northug and Simen Hegstad Krüger, who all think it is worth their weight in gold to get competitive training a few months before the season starts in full. – If the national team is to pass, we need to show ourselves in the summer. People forget quickly and it is a long way from the end of March to November. This is a race that is good for that, says Golberg to news. ON THE ROUTE: Pål Golberg took second place behind Simen Hegstad Krüger. Here with Finn Hågen Krogh. Photo: Hanna Johre / NTB He shows compassion for the women, who have just been at the height, and at the same time points out that the Oslo Skishow has previously been organized in June. – It was planned a bit late, but we have to recognize that if we are going to compete for viewers, we need to be visible all year round. Then races that we get TV time in prime time are worth their weight in gold, he says further. Krüger does not want to speak on behalf of the women, but believes himself that the Oslo Skishow is an important roller ski race to get on track for winter. – These are the sessions I need. It is up to the women themselves to know what is best for them. But we understand that we have to be involved in creating a product. It is important that the best and most are involved and show the sport from the best side. It’s clear that it’s difficult when the best don’t start, says Krüger to news. Even Northug believes that competitions are the most important thing to take part in. – I see no reason not to enter the competition. You do not get more specific training. I see it that way, in any case, says Northug to news. Podium: Simen Hegstad Krüger, Pål Golberg, Hans Christer Holund and Johan Häggstrøm. Photo: Hanna Johre / NTB Doesn’t understand the criticism Heidi Weng is surprised that the lack of attendance has become a topic. – I don’t understand what you are talking about. Most people lined up for the start where they were supposed to. Then there have been some minor injuries. For my own part, I have struggled with my head, and then it has only been one run. There are many who have gone to Toppidrettsveka and Blink, so I don’t see that one, says Weng to news. DISAPPOINTED: Heidi Weng’s first race of the year ended with a ninth place. Photo: Hanna Johre / NTB – Do you disagree with the criticism? – Yes. I don’t see who didn’t show up for the ski race this summer of those who were supposed to. I don’t know if it’s quite there, I’d say. Today we were probably few, but that’s the way it is, says Weng. The women’s national team on roller skis Blink festival: Registered (5): Ragnhild Haga, Heidi Weng, Marte Skaanes, Tiril Udnes Weng and Lotta Udnes Weng (sick). Not registered (6): Anne Kjersti Kalvå, Ane Appelkvist Stenseth, Anna Svendsen, Julie Myhre, Mathilde Myhrvold and Helene Marie Fossesholm Top sports week: Registered (5): Anne Kjersti Kalvå, Ane Appelkvist Stenseth, Marte Skaanes, Julie Myhre, Lotta Udnes Weng Not registered (6): Anna Svendsen, Ragnhild Haga, Heidi Weng, Tiril Udnes Weng, Mathilde Myhrvold and Helene Marie Fossesholm Holmenkollen Ski Show: Registered (3): Heidi Weng, Tiril Udnes Weng, Lotta Udnes Weng Not registered (8): Anna Svendsen, Anne Kjersti Kalvå, Ane Appelkvist Stenseth, Julie Myhre, Mathilde Myhrvold, Ragnhild Haga, Marte Skaanes and Helene Marie Fossesholm She points out that the Oslo Skishow comes at an unfortunate time, and justifies the cross-country women’s training at altitude as the reason for few entries. – The timing was a bit unfortunate. It’s right after a hill climb, and you’re not quite ready to ski after the hill. It was perhaps the wrong time to set up the Oslo Skishow, says Weng further. Bjervig: – Many unfortunate reasons – Now there are three blade Weng who are standing for the elite team, then there are many unfortunate reasons that hit at the same time which makes it so thin. Both the girls, coaches and I wish everyone was here and going. If it is conjunctivitis or covid disease and so on, then unfortunately it will be like this now. CHIEF: Espen Bjervig. Photo: Heiko Junge / NTB – Does everyone who is not here have a valid absence? – There are several things that hit at the same time which means that there are three girls walking here today, so that’s how it is.
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