A sore ankle means that Johaug does not get revenge on Astrid Øyre Slind from Birkebeinerrennet.

During the Birkebeinerrennet two weeks ago, Therese Johaug, Team Ragde Charge, was beaten by the long-distance queen Astrid Øyre Slind, Team Koteng Eidissen, who impressively double poled to victory.

On Saturday, there was great excitement about whether Therese Johaug would get revenge during the 50-kilometer long Reistadløpet, which runs from Setermoen to Bardufoss.

The race was arranged for the first time in 1958 and is part of the Visma Ski Classics Pro Tour calendar. Johaug was scheduled to represent Team Ragde Charge, where she is a teammate of Marit Bjørgen.

Now the team’s manager Jørgen Aukland reports that Reistadløpet goes without Johaug.

“Therese has unfortunately got a sore ankle and struggles to put on ski boots. Then it goes without saying that it will be difficult to ski 50 kilometers in heavy terrain.”

Reistadløpet has still not been won without kick wax, so there is a significant amount of tension whether skate or classic skis are to be chosen.

“It would have been enjoyable to see what Therese could achieve in such a tough race against the rest of the long-distance elite, but now we have to trust Marit,” concludes Aukland.

Next up in the Visma Ski Classics is Reistadløpet. The 50-kilometer classic race takes place in Norway on April 2, 2022.

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