PHOTO: Bildbyrån
The Swedish skaters reacted strongly to the conditions they face during this weekend’s World Cup competitions in Norway.
Now the criticism is being beaten back.
– Get dressed and stop complaining, says Norwegian cross-country skiing expert Petter Soleng Skinstad to Nettavisen.
In the 10 kilometer freestyle in Östersund, it did not go well at all for the Swedish riders, who otherwise had such a good start to the season on the women’s side. This weekend is the World Cup in Trondheim and the Swedes have a chance for revenge.
But it can be tough, as the weather forecast is not what the skiers want to see. A lot of rain and strong winds are expected in Norway during the days of the competitions.
– But are you kidding me? Is it going to rain? Why don’t we compete where it’s winter? This will probably be a….special weekend. It’s not great fun. These are not the kind of conditions you want, he says Moa Ilar about the weather forecast for Expressen.
The article continues after the picture.
Also Calle Halfvarsson fretting over the conditions of the coming days.
– Shit, how boring. It’s almost like I’d rather ride in minus 29 degrees. Then, in any case, there are nice tracks. But now it’s just a matter of persevering. It will be exciting to see how the tracks are here now. Because of the weather… it’s going to be miserable, he says.
Responds to criticism
Petter Soleng Skinstaddistance expert for Norwegian TV2, thinks it is unlucky for the organizers that rain is expected during the days.
– I think it is natural if there are significantly fewer people now than if it had been reported about minus five degrees and sun, and of course it is a shame for both skiers and organizers, Soleng Skinstad tells Nettavisen.
The article continues after the picture.
The former skier also hits back at the criticism from Ilar and Halfvarsson.
– I have competed in skiing in Sweden in the rain too, so here there is only one thing that applies – get dressed and stop complaining, says Soleng Skistad with a smile to the Norwegian newspaper.
READ MORE: Alvar Myhlback admits what he really thinks of Petter Northug – after the Norwegian’s great tribute
Sign up for our newsletter
Share