The cross-country skiing star reveals the details of the national team agreement that grants him immense freedom, which is also crucial for Emil Iversen.

On May 2, it was announced that Johannes Høsflot Klæbo and the Norwegian Ski Association had reached an agreement. The ski star will be part of the national team for the upcoming season, but neither he nor the Association would comment on the specifics. 

Now, Klæbo reveals what the agreement entails, making him one of the eleven men on the elite national team.

Also Read: Norwegian cross-country skiing teams for season 2026/2027

One point is sacred

On one hand, it grants him immense sporting freedom and a green light for his annual altitude training in the USA. Securing the USA trip was crucial for reaching any agreement.

“I would almost call the altitude training in the USA sacred. It has been a gathering I have valued highly over the past four years, and it has been very important. I have my physiotherapist and everything I need there,” Klæbo tells TV2.

He will therefore not participate in the first of the national team’s two altitude camps, as it coincides with his schedule. However, he will join most of the second altitude camp before heading to Livigno for more altitude training. 

Additionally, Klæbo will participate in three training camps in Norway. 

Altitude training covered

Klæbo has also secured that the Association will cover three of his four altitude training sessions. This was also the same agreement reached in 2024. 

Overall, the superstar is pleased with the agreement he has reached, believing it strikes a good balance between personal freedom and the national team’s program. 

“I am very satisfied.”

Crucial for Emil Iversen

The agreement between Klæbo and the Association was also crucial for Emil Iversen to extend his career for another year. He is now back on the national team after three years of private training. 

The 34-year-old reveals that he accepted the offer because Klæbo did the same. 

“That was part of it, yes. We had a close dialogue with him about it. It was a bit of both or none,” says Iversen.  

Thus, both Klæbo and Iversen are settling into a program similar to last year’s Olympic preparation. This resulted in Klæbo winning six golds out of six possible, while Iversen returned home with one gold and one bronze from the two events he competed in. 

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