Petter Northug participates in the long-distance Ski Classics.
Petter Northug wiped away tears when talking about his decision to quit in 2018. EPA / AOP
Four years ago, Norway’s top skier put away his skis from the official competitions Petter Northug, 36, is returning to the track. In the coming season, he will participate in long-distance competitions Ski Classics.
– I am now training to participate in the cross-country Ski Classics this winter. I want to fight for the top positions. Some races suit me really well there. There are also competitions that, accordingly, are not suitable for me, Northug told VG.
Northug has previously trained alone, but now he wants to form a team around him.
– I want to add two or three skiers to my team, maybe more for next season as well.
The 36-year-old sports legend has competed in individual competitions in recent seasons, but the results have not been convincing. Northug has considered himself more of a fitness trainee.
In the summer, he has been working on roller skiing with better results. He was 12th in Kannalrennen’s roller skiing. About Norway’s current number one skier Johannes from Kläbo he was only four seconds behind.
Last week, Konkari won the 40 km sprint prize in the long-distance roller skiing competition in front of many national team skiers.
Northug has another tight wrinkle coming up for the fall. He will participate in three races in Scandinavia. The longest race is a 90 km roller ski race.
– I am now training for three long trips. I practice push-ups and long runs. I try to focus specifically on sport-specific training, Northug said.
The 13-time cross-country world champion believes that with the right kind of training, he will return to the top.
– When I train something, I know my body so well that I recognize at what level I need to train. I take my age into account and train my strengths and weaknesses. This is how I believe I will keep up with others.
A tough name for the Games
Racing brother of Northug and winner of the Ski Classic Andreas Nygaard believes that the fitness trainee will not yet be in top shape for the first races of the season.
– It would seem that Petter has a good foundation under him. I don’t think he will be successful yet in Marciolonga, which is the first important race. There is no way he will be there on the podium. In Vasaloppet, he may already have a chance to win, Nygaard told VG
Nygaard says Northug’s return will draw more attention to Ski Classics, which is positive for the series.
– It’s quite clear. Petter Northug is one of Norway’s biggest athletes in terms of media attention as long as he is alive.
Northug ended his professional career in 2018 in an emotional press conference. At that time, his skiing performances were already in a strong decline.