Johannes Kläbo has to justify the reasons for his departure in order to continue in the World Cup.
Johannes Kläbon departure from the Norwegian cross-country team has started quite a debate in the fjords.
The rules of the Norwegian Skiing Association state that the Skiing Association does not select athletes who have refused the national team for competitions related to the national team offer, except in exceptional circumstances. According to VG the crooked rule applies to the World Cup.
The cross-country skiing team wanted to change the rule so that Kläbo’s entry to the World Cup would be certain. The management of the skiing association refused the change on Tuesday.
Chairman of the Norwegian Cross-Country Committee Torbjörn Skogstad next demands further explanation from Kläbo about the reasons for the departure. The question is whether Kläbo’s exclusion from the national team can be counted as an exceptional situation.
– We need to hear comprehensive reasons from him for being left out of the national team. It is clear in the rules that if an athlete leaves the national team only for commercial reasons, the job will end, Skogstad refers to the competition.
– It is very possible to take into account that he has his own camp plan outside the national team.
Johannes Kläbo will not continue in the national team. Jenni Gästgivar
Kläbo justified his departure, among other things, by the expense rules of the Norwegian Ski Association.
The Olympic champion felt it was wrong that the national team, which was in financial difficulties, would have paid for his high-place camps, even though the size of the national team groups was reduced due to the lack of crowns.
Norwegian skiers rarely camp at high altitudes during the summer, but Kläbo held several of his own camps in the United States last year. Tähti wanted that with his departure, the association could use its limited funds on athletes other than him.
Kläbo also said that he heard that several people feel that he received unfair special treatment. He wanted to stop talking when he left.
A cryptic comment
Kläbo already camped on his own last year. PASI LEISMA
It is likely that Kläbo will be able to ski in the World Cup despite the inflamed situation. The Ski Association does not want to give up its superstar who enjoys a lot of media attention.
President of the Norwegian Ski Association Tove Moe Dyrhaug already hinted in that direction.
– Skiers who are good enough will be selected for the World Cup, he replied to VG without naming names.
In addition to Kläbo, the Norwegian national team will not be part of the Norwegian national team next season Astrid Slind and sprint star Kristine Skistad.