Photo: Bildbyrån
Petter Northug wants to go to the home WC in Trondheim next year.
His rival Calle Halfvarsson believes that it will never happen – and if, against all odds, it did, it would only be good for Sweden.
– If he were to go in the team sprint, it would also be good for us because then we have a slightly better chance of winning, he says to Sportbibeln.
Ten years ago was Calle Halfvarsson35, and Peter Northug38, bitter rivals on the ski slopes and they made many headlines in the media. But six years ago the Norwegian ended his elite career and since then their heated war of words has subsided.
In recent months, Northug has had as a stated goal to reach the cross-country World Championships in Trondheim in February-March 2025. He has competed in long-distance races for the past two years, so he has not started from scratch. However, the road has been long. Due to a back injury, he has missed several races so far this season. It has also meant that he was forced to withdraw from the Scandinavian Cup, a competition that could have otherwise brought him one step closer to the Norwegian national team.
READ MORE: William Poromaa’s new take on Petter Northug’s WC chances
Now a minor miracle is required for a half-injured Northug to be selected in Norway’s WC squad. Calle Halfvarsson believes that it is completely impossible for Petter to go to the home WC in Trondheim. On the other hand, he would have liked to see him join.
– I don’t think he will come to the WC. I hope he comes to the WC because then we have a good Norwegian who has disappeared, that he takes up a place from someone. I would say that then the Norwegian team has weakened, he says to Sportbibeln.
Good for Sweden if Northug is in the WC
Calle believes that a 38-year-old Petter is not in such good shape, so if he was in the WC it would be easy to beat him. He would then have received a place in the squad at the expense of some other talented skater.
– If he makes it to the WC, it would be quite good for us. If he rode the team sprint, it would also be good for us because then we have a slightly better chance of winning, he says.
READ MORE: Calle Halfvarsson on the hate: “Mum takes it pretty hard”
At the same time, as said, he would like Northug to be involved. Halfvarsson says that the Norwegian is still very famous and popular. Perhaps it would be good for cross-country skiing as a sport to have Northug back and also Therese Johaugwho also made a comeback.
– He is the biggest poster name so it would be really cool. But what are the odds of him making it to the WC in a Norwegian men’s team? It will probably be tough, says Calle.
The WC in Trondheim takes place from 26 February to 9 March. We cheer for all our Swedish skaters who will try to bring home several medals. Drive hard! We believe in you.
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