Skiing star Petter Northug considers his chances for the World Championships to be non-existent. However, he gives it his all.
The Norwegian cross-country legend by Petter Northug has been bubbling around for the past six months.
In the case of Northug, there has even been talk of a possible return to the World Cup tracks at the home games in Trondheim. The Norwegian’s own comments on the subject to various media, including Urheilu, have also added water to the mill.
– I would be lying if I said that it is not nice to be involved in such speculations, Northug told Urheilu in February.
However, the 13-time world champion in skiing assures that his sights are on the Vasaloppet.
– I imagine I’m standing by the track in Trondheim. I dreamed that I was on the podium in Vasaloppet. it’s my dream Northug claims to NRK.
However, Northug admits to the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation that he reads the messages he receives about plans for the World Cup with a smile. Northug, who is currently training at a high level, is a little surprised at the kind of hype that has built up around him.
However, Northug considers his chances of reaching the World Cup team to be non-existent. He has given himself a one percent chance of getting to the prestigious competition.
– Many skiers have to drop out of the team before I stand at the starting line. That’s why it’s wrong to dream about something that seems impossible, says Northug.
Northug has trained in Italy together Johannes Hösflot Kläbon with. He plans to give everything to the World Cup and the one percent chance he mentioned.
In the early season, Northug competes in, for example, Beitostölen and Skandinavia cup. He would have participated in the Ski Classic, for example, if he hadn’t decided to give the World Championships a chance.
– I want to show the people and I say with my hand on my heart that I will try one percent. That’s why I ski all distances in the Norwegian championships. I don’t promise anything, but I hope that by mid-January I could be in good shape and skiing fast.