Dispute over New World Cup Criteria in Norwegian Cross-Country Skiing Team

Ahead of the cross-country World Cup opener in Ruka on November 27, 2026, new selection criteria in the Norwegian team are causing a dispute.

Athletes will no longer be given general preference. Instead, current performance and previous results will be given greater consideration during nominations.

However, this approach is generating little enthusiasm among the athletes.

"Absolute Catastrophe"

"The news comes late, when I've spent the entire autumn focusing on being in shape for the Ruka weekend and not for the Beitostølen weekend," criticizes Andreas Fjorden Ree to the Norwegian medium "VG". He adds: "This is an absolute catastrophe for me."

Teammate Harald Østberg Amundsen also views the changes critically: "To be honest, the new guidelines contribute to even less clear criteria," says the 28-year-old.

"That is very strange"

Communication has also not been optimal. "It's unusual to read such things in the media and that they don't speak with us. That is very strange," said Emil Iversen.

The chairman of the Cross-Country Committee, Håkon Solvik, responded to the criticism: "We must take this seriously. We will now meet with the athletes promptly, listen to their perspective, and ensure a good and factual dialogue about how the criteria are to be understood and applied."

According to Solvik, no one has yet been nominated for the World Cup opener. Those who deliver good results at the national cross-country opener in Beitostølen can recommend themselves for a spot in the World Cup.