– What I must be very concerned about is that the model we have now must not be set in stone. But a model must be such that it takes care of recruitment and breadth, says Espen Bjervig in a longer interview with news. Recently, the news came that Bjervig is stepping down as head of cross-country skiing in the Ski Association from January. But before he gives himself up to the role, he has a lot to do before the starting shot goes off at Beitostølen on 17 November. As is well known, the Ski Association is in a pressured situation financially. And it is beginning to be urgent to get a representation agreement in place with Johannes Høsflot Klæbo, who must be in place for the cross-country team to go to the World Cup. Klæbo turned down the national team this spring. A choice news’s cross-country expert described as dramatic for the current national team model. CONFLICT OF VALUES: Johannes Høsflot Klæbo has still not signed a representation agreement with the Norwegian Skiing Association. Photo: NTB Stars chose private teams over national teams Because it is the biggest stars who generate money in the coffers of the Ski Association. Which in turn provides money for recruitment and breadth. Not least for children’s sports, emphasizes Bjervig. He believes it is an argument for preserving the national team model as it is. – We cannot create a national team model that only takes care of the elite. I should be a bit careful in saying that, but many private teams in cycling and skiing and such, they take care of the elite and operate them, and then they have no responsibility down in the system. – Therefore, we must have a model that means that we generate money that can be spread throughout the organisation. The model we have now means that the elite athletes initially raise this money and it is spread out, he says. But both Klæbo, Astrid Øyre Slind, and Kristine Stavås Skistad chose private teams over the national team after last year’s season. LEAVING: The outgoing head of cross-country skiing sees the task of signing a representation contract with Klæbo as one of his most important. Photo: NTB All for different reasons. But if this trend continues, the national team model must be adapted, believes Bjervig. – But if you see in the future that several of the elite athletes, who in turn generate money in the coffers, leave the association. Could it open up the possibility that the national team model as it is today must be re-evaluated? – Yes, yes, it can certainly do that. And we have made some moves in recent years, with the athletes having a private label on their uniform, so that they can get paid better for their market value, says Bjervig. – They are thinking anew – It is obvious that the model is ripe for adjustments. And I think the Ski Association is already in the process of doing that, says news’s Torgeir Bjørn, referring to how they have resolved the situation with both Kristine Stavås Skistad and Astrid Øyre Slind. Because even if they are on a private team, they are part of the national team for the winter if they perform well. AGREE WITH BJERVIG: news’s cross-country expert Torgeir Bjørn. A collaboration between private teams and the national team is a change that has already taken place and a sign that the Skiing Association has already started to rethink, emphasizes the long-standing news expert. Not afraid of increased competition But the hope is that the national team offer will be so attractive that the best athletes continue to accept the national team. – Economy is one thing, but that is a short-term thought. We can set up high scholarships, so that it is attractive to be in the national team, says Bjervig and continues: – It is the sporting offer. The collaboration with the Olympiatoppen, ensuring that we have the best coaches, ensuring that we have a sporting offer that is absolutely, absolutely world-class. I feel we have that. BETTING PRIVATE: Astrid Øyre Slind took WC gold in the three-mile during the Ski WC in Planica. She also has merit in the long-distance circus. Photo: NTB – Do you fear that private teams could be a threat to the national team model in the future? – No, I rather see it as a supplement. As a national team, we must ensure that we have such a good offer that it is the most attractive place to be. The private teams mean that we also have to be on our toes. By and large, we are still playing the same sport. – Of course we must have a national team. Not least to finance the support apparatus through the winter, lubricators and health personnel. But at the same time, the private teams have added money to the sport and actually given more runners the opportunity to get a good plan, adds Torgeir Bjørn.
ttn-69
– Not set in stone – news Sport – Sports news, results and broadcasting schedule
