The 21-year-old earned his first World Cup podium in February. Now, he is one of three new athletes selected for the elite national team for the coming season.

The 2025–26 Norwegian national team is taking shape. It has now been confirmed that three new skiers will join the elite national team for next season. The 2026 Olympics in Milan/Cortina being the clear highlight.

Just before Easter, it was announced that distance skiers Jan Thomas Jenssen and Andreas Fjorden Ree had been offered spots on the national team. Both having delivered solid performances at the highest level throughout the season.

The final spot goes to sprint talent Oskar Opstad Vike, according to TV 2. The first-year senior from the Elon Oslofjord regional team achieved his career-first World Cup podium with third place in the classic sprint in Falun in February. Incidentally, classic sprint is on the program for the 2026 Olympics.

Vike is chosen ahead of his regional teammate Matz William Jenssen and national development team skier Håvard Moseby. Who were also reportedly in contention for the final spot.

Three Veterans Depart

Jenssen, Fjorden Ree, and Vike join the 2025–26 national team because three veterans are leaving the squad.

Ahead of the World Cup final in Lahti, Pål Golberg announced that he would retire from elite-level racing.

Håvard Solås Taugbøl is stepping away from the World Cup level as well. Starting next season, he will focus 100 percent on long-distance racing.

Veteran Didrik Tønseth is also leaving the national team this year.

Eight of Eleven Skiers Continue on the 2025–26 National Team

According to Langrenn.com’s sources, eight of the eleven skiers from this year’s elite team will continue next season. From the sprint squad, Ansgar Evensen, Even Northug, and Erik Valnes have had their spots renewed.

From the distance team, Harald Østberg Amundsen, Martin Løwstrøm Nyenget, Simen Hegstad Krüger, and Iver Tildheim Andersen will also continue.

The two squads were formally merged into one before last season, under the leadership of both sprint coach Arild Monsen and all-round coach Eirik Myhr Nossum.

Many have been curious whether World Championship star Johannes Høsflot Klæbo would break away from the national team, but the 28-year-old confirmed before Easter that he will remain.

Thus, the Norwegian national team for 2025–26 will consist of the following 11 skiers: Harald Østberg Amundsen, Iver Tildheim Andersen, Ansgar Evensen, Jan Thomas Jenssen, Johannes Høsflot Klæbo, Simen Hegstad Krüger, Even Northug, Martin Løwstrøm Nyenget, Andreas Fjorden Ree, Erik Valnes, and Oskar Opstad Vike.

The national team management proposes the lineup, but the final selection must be approved by the Cross-Country Committee in the Norwegian Ski Federation. The team and skiers will be officially presented during the Ski Federation’s marketing days in Oslo on April 28.

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