Is Norway showing off at the Nordic World Ski Championships? Corresponding allegations have been making the rounds since a gigantic double-decker truck was positioned in front of the arena in Planica. In the Scandinavian camp, one defends oneself against the gossip.
What a sight: In front of the already impressive mountain scenery in Planica, Slovenia, a huge truck was spotted, which is (partly) decorated in the Norwegian national colors of red and blue and depicts some stars of the Norge team.
Accusations were immediately leveled that the Norwegians had become megalomaniacs. “What the hell are they doing there?” Asked former Slovenian cross-country skier Petra Majdic to “TV2”.
Before the start of the competitions, which will take place from February 21 to March 5, the 43-year-old added: “Does Norway have to make smaller ski nations even smaller?”
VIP truck? Norway’s ski boss counters Protz allegations
In the meantime, Norway’s cross-country boss Espen Bjervig has reacted to the criticism and denied a conscious action by the association.
“We’ve had such a trailer since the 2017 World Cup in Lahti. It’s our partners who finance and set up the truck for the public. Anyone who wants to can enter,” he said in an interview with the newspaper “Dagbladet” and weakened it thus the accusation that the pompous trailer could only be intended for VIP guests.
Bjervig has already clarified the matter with critic Majdic. “She was told it was a closed VIP trailer, but that’s not true,” the official said.
Much more is planned to exchange ideas with fans and experts in the truck before and after the race. “We do a number of activities there,” says Bjervig. Athletes should also stop by. The aim is an “interaction” with the audience.