Three Norwegian cross-country national team athletes have been struck by the Covid virus, prompting their withdrawal from the FIS race in Muonio this weekend. 

The confirmation of positive Covid cases came from National team doctor Ove Feragen in a press release from the Norwegian Ski Association earlier this Friday:

“Didrik Tønseth, Håvard Solås Taugbøl, and Sjur Røthe must return home from Finnish Muonio as they have unfortunately tested positive for Covid,” says Feragen in the release.

Didrik Tønseth, Håvard Solås Taugbøl, and Sjur Røthe, the affected trio, had started the Muonio sprint earlier today, with both Tønseth and Taugbøl advancing to the heats but stopping at the quarter-finals, finishing 29th and 30th. 

The virus’s impact on the athletes remains uncertain, and their participation at the Norwegian national season premiere in Beitostølen next week is at risk. 

Earlier reports revealed that Norwegian national team coach Arild Monsen had tested positive for Covid. After his diagnosis, Monsen promptly returned home. Furthermore, Tiril Udnes Weng, another national team member, has also contracted the virus, infecting herself during the team’s high-altitude training camp in Livigno. 

Read More: More doubts for the Norwegian season premiere.

Klæbo also hit by Covid

On Tuesday, when Johannes Høsflot Klæbo announced that he had signed an agreement with the Norwegian Ski Association, the 27-year-old cross-country skiing star reported that he had tested positive for Covid. 

Therefore, it is uncertain whether Klæbo will compete in the Norwegian premiere and the World Cup opener in Ruka on the last weekend of November. 

Also Read: Klæbo signed and ready for the World Cup – but now, hit by Covid.

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