Big names skip Holmenkollen.
Holmenkollen is one of skiing’s classic events, but this year the level of the men’s 50 km freestyle competition is remaining exceptionally low.
According to the Norwegian public broadcasting company NRK, it is likely that only 11 of the 30 best skiers in the World Cup will start Sunday’s test.
Italian veteran Federico Pellegrino is one of Kollen’s star names to skip. In his opinion, the planning of the calendar has failed badly, as only a week has been given for the recovery time from the 50-kilometer trip to Planica.
– In my opinion, Kollen’s fiftieth race six days after Planica’s 50 km is bullshit. It’s impossible to ski. It’s not possible, “Pelle” uploaded to NRK.
The stress of skiing peaks will be put to the test after the World Championships. For example, Pellegrino participated in six starts in Planica, including the qualifiers. At 50 kilometers, he finished tenth.
Missing out on the Italian is sad, because the contribution to the rest of the season is enough. He is third among the Norwegians in the World Cup Johannes Kläbon and By Pål Golberg double cloth.
– I would like to participate in all the competitions because I like to compete and I train to be at my best in every competition, but I can’t. I’m not that strong, man damn.
Federico Pellegrino will not go to Holmenkollen. PASI LEISMA
Width in Norway
However, the harsh schedule in a certain way favors Norway, because the country that dominates men’s skiing has such a wide range of material.
– Norway has a national quota from which they can hit the track with seven or eight athletes fighting tooth and nail who did not participate in the 50 km race the week before. It’s not easy, my body can’t take it, Pellegrino, 32, continues to lament.
Competition Manager of the International Ski Federation FIS Michal Lamplot justifies the placement of Holmenkollen in the calendar by the fact that ski jumping and combined competitions are also organized there at the same time.
Next week, the place is reserved for biathlon.
However, Lamplot admits that they want to adjust the timing better in the future.
– In the future, we will work with the Norwegian Skiing Federation and the sports federations of other countries to find the best possible slot for Holmenkollen, because it is one of our most iconic events.
Along with Pellegrino, Kollen’s endurance trip will be missed Iivo Niskanen, Perttu Hyvärinensick with the flu William Poromaa mixed Calle Halfvarssonwho participates in the sprint race.
NRK was also confirmed for the USA Ben Ogden’s and the Czech Republic Michal Novak too absences.
The Finnish team for Sunday’s match is unusually small. The blue and white color on the royal journey is only represented Juuso Tossavainen and Markus Vuorela.