Two athletes who are strong contenders for Norway’s Olympic cross-country skiing team may be forced to skip this weekend’s Norwegian season opener at Beitostølen. For both, injuries are causing concern.

Martin Løwstrøm Nyenget has suffered a new injury setback, the Norwegian Ski Association announced in a statement on Thursday.

“Martin Løwstrøm Nyenget unfortunately twisted his ankle during training on Sunday. He had hoped to be at Beitostølen today, but it was a bit too early,” says national team doctor Ove Feragen.

“It is being evaluated continuously whether he will be ready for any of the races this weekend,” he adds.

It’s unfortunate, as Martin Løwstrøm Nyenget is considered one of the favorites both on Saturday and Sunday at the Beitosprinten, and he needs the races ahead of the World Cup opener in Ruka, Finland, the following weekend.

Also Read: All you need to know about the cross-country season opener: Program and TV schedule

The story continues below.

Participation is also uncertain for Astrid Øyre Slind. In her case, the problem is the Achilles tendon. She suffered an injury during the Blink Festival this summer. It had been improving, but has now worsened again.

“It’s critical if I push it too far now, because I don’t have time for rehab during the season. I can’t ski myself into shape properly, and it’s starting to become urgent,” the 37-year-old Astrid Øyre Slind tells TV 2.

She is aiming for the Olympics, and it is unclear if or where she will appear in Ski Classics this winter. Astrid is outside the national team this season.

The Beitosprinten, as usual, gathers both Norwegian and international athletes of the highest caliber. Friday features a classic sprint race, while Saturday and Sunday offer distance races—one in classic technique and one in freestyle technique.

All start lists, details, and results can be found in the “EVENTS & RESULTS” section on ProXCskiing.com.

Are you interested in traditional cross-country skiing? Click HERE and read more about it.

As a member of ProXCskiing.com, you get full access to all content on the site. Also, live streaming of Ski Classics events with English commentaries is available.

When you become part of one of the World’s leading XC ski communities, you will receive many exclusive offers all year round.

REGISTER HERE AS A MEMBER