– It’s almost like coming to a court case. It’s no fun being in that situation, says Emil Iversen, when he meets the press before this weekend’s World Cup race. Trønder was very disappointed in the World Cup opener in Ruka. But he still gets to go freestyle at Lillehammer. The Trønder strongly dislikes that there are doubts that he is good enough, and thinks it is special to defend an outlet that he himself is not behind. – I have nothing to do with that withdrawal. I am of course grateful that I get the chance and that the management has faith in me. I have shown tact, no one can take that away from me. Then it’s just a matter of trying to get it stable, then it should be a distance that suits me well, says Iversen. DISAPPOINTING OPENING: Emil Iversen didn’t get it right in Ruka. He had the 39th best time in the 20 kilometer freestyle on Sunday. Photo: Terje Pedersen / NTB Strikes back: – They can say what they want. He would have preferred to stay out of the situation – because the withdrawal has provoked strong reactions. – This is exactly what I don’t understand very much. It is too stupid to say that Iversen is a national team runner, so he goes ahead of you anyway, Jan Thomas Jenssen told news earlier this week. He is among the athletes who are outside the national team, delivered better results in the freestyle race at Beitostølen and are not allowed to go to the World Cup on home soil. – People can say what they want. I’m not going to get hung up on what people think about this or that. There is often a lot of focus on me, for one reason or another. If so few have faith, I have everything to gain. Then it’s just a matter of trying to attack and refute. The association refers to the season information, the document that governs selection for the World Cup before Christmas. Priority is given to national team athletes. Does not feel extra pressure news expert Fredrik Aukland gives him full support. TV 2 expert Petter Skinstad believes that the Norwegian Skiing Association is hiding behind the season information and that they have put Emil Iversen in an impossible position. Trønder has not convinced in freestyle for a long time. When asked if he experiences extra pressure, he answers no: – We always have pressure on us. We fight to be the best in the world. We always have pressure. I had that at Beito, then I had it in Ruka and I have it here. His last podium came in the 15 kilometer during the national opening at Beitostølen more than a year ago. Didn’t consider standing over It The former great runner Martin Johnsrud Sundby, who is now an expert for Viaplay, was one of those who defended the removal of Iversen. On the other hand, he was unsure whether it is smart for Iversen to actually run the race. ADVICE: Sundby thought Iversen has enormous pressure on him before this weekend’s race. Photo: Ida Cecilie Madsen / news “I may have stood over Lillehammer to prepare for the World Cup at Beitostølen,” he said. Iversen has not considered that. – I don’t have that at all. We can’t get there. I will be aggressive. It’s the first of December, and there’s a lot of winter left. In that sense, I am quite relaxed. Maybe I need a little more time. There is something about getting into the flow and the autopilot, which I lost a bit last year, he says. – Sundby’s analysis is: Tomorrow you will go with a knife to your throat, which is exceptionally sharp at the moment and which is very close to the main artery. Is that how you feel? – Not quite actually, it’s not that “greedy”. It will be my “fuss”, there is no doubt about it. There are many who think this and that, and many who follow along. I take it as a compliment that there is a lot of interest, replies Iversen.
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