Petter Northug will now step in to resolve the bitter conflict hindering the transition, confirming that the Ski Classics star is wanted on the Pro Team.

Torleif Syrstad is wanted on Petter Northug’s Pro Team, Team Burger King Northug, for the upcoming season. However, just three weeks before the deadline for registering teams for Ski Classics World Championship Season XVIII (2026/2027), the Birken and Vasaloppet winner is still without a team. 

This situation has persisted since the season finale in April, despite Syrstad being desired by Petter Northug’s Pro Team. 

The reason is a bitter waxing conflict. Syrstad, who has raced for Team Engcon for the past two seasons, declined a new contract with the team this spring. 

Also Read: Vasaloppet was just the beginning for Syrstad

The 32-year-old, who won the Birkebeinerrennet last winter by over four minutes, is wanted on Petter Northug’s Pro Team, Team Burger King Northug. 

The problem is that Northug’s team purchases waxing services from Team Engcon, which has made it clear that they will refuse to wax Syrstad’s skis if he joins Northug’s team.

“Childish and unsportsmanlike” 

Syrstad is both disappointed and frustrated by the situation. He describes the conflict as “childish and unsportsmanlike.” 

“It is frustrating. I think it is childish and unsportsmanlike. The sports community is so small, and I believe one should behave and be a bit fair to others. So yes, I am really irritated and disappointed,” Syrstad said after the long-distance race in Hitra during Toppidrettsveka on Friday night. 

Read More on Langrenn.com – Strongly provoked: – Childish and unsportsmanlike

Northug: “We have a plan” 

Petter Northug is clear that he wants to bring the Birken winner into his team and will now intervene to resolve the deadlocked conflict. 

“I am not involved in the situation between him and his former employer, but I am in dialogue with Torleif Syrstad about being part of our team. Absolutely,” he told NRK.

Northug states that he is aware of the conflict and is trying to find a solution to the waxing issue. 

Ski Classics World Championship Season XVIII (2026/2027)

• Event 1: December 11, 2026 – Bad Gastein Prologue – Austria – 1km
• Event 2: December 13, 2026 – Sportgastein Criterium – Austria – 30km
• Event 3: December 19, 2026 – Bad Gastein ITT – Austria – 7km
• Event 4: December 20, 2026 – Bad Gastein Criterium – Austria – 36km
• Event 5: January 16, 2027 – Engadin La Diagonela – Switzerland – 55km
• Event 6: January 17, 2027 – Zuoz–St. Moritz Sprint – Switzerland – 30km
• Event 7: January 31, 2027 – Marcialonga – Italy – 70km
• Event 8: February 12, 2027 – Bedřichov Heat Sprint – Czech Republic – 1.5km
• Event 9: February 14, 2027 – Jizerská50 – Czech Republic – 50km
• Event 10: February 27, 2027 – Oxberg–Mora Sprint Women – Sweden – 30km
• Event 11: February 28, 2027 – Oxberg–Mora Sprint Men – Sweden – 30km
• Event 12: March 7, 2027 – Vasaloppet – Sweden – 90km
• Event 13: March 20, 2027 – Birkebeinerrennet – Norway – 53km
• Event 14: April 3, 2027 – Reistadløpet – Norway – 35km
• Event 15: April 4, 2027 – Grand Finale Summit 2 Senja – Norway – 60km

Read More: Ski Classics World Championship Season XVIII

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