Even Northug has been training well and systematically for many years and has no doubts about his older brother:

“Petter can be at World Cup level in a year,” Even says to Langrenn.com. 

But the 27-year-old Norwegian has bigger goals. 

Langrenn.com talked with Even Northug in a hot late summer race in Torsby. There, both the sprint and distance national teams are in a training camp together. 

Usually, Event Northug trains a lot with his older brother. It is a bit like the old days, but now the roles are reversed: 

“Before it was like that, I did what he did when we trained together. Now, I am the one who decides what we train. It’s awesome. I have trained a lot and well,” says a delighted Even. 

At the same time, Even sees that the older brother is on something big: the 37-year-old has been robust in everything from sprints to long-distance races, and that with World Cup skiers and Ski Classics Pro Team athletes at the start.

Also Read: The training that brought Northug back to the top

Now, Ski Classics is the main focus for Petter Northug, but could he make a comeback at the World Cup?  

“He is not close to being able to win a World Cup now, and he knows that. But if he had trained seriously for it for a year, he would have been very close. I guarantee that,” says Even Northug. 

You had a breakthrough season last winter. What do you think about the upcoming season? And what about your goals? 

“It went beyond all expectations. I’ll be happy if it turns out as well again this season. But I want to take the step right up to the top of the podium this year.” 

In a season with no major championships, both the Tour de Ski and the World Cup become more important, and Even Northug has a lot to accomplish there: 

“I hope to complete as many World Cup races as possible, and the World Cup overall is a goal. The Tour de Ski will also be important, and if you want to go there, you have to be strong early. But it fits well because there is a World Cup in Trondheim before Christmas where I want to ski fast.”  

Read More: FIS World Cup calendar and approved cross-country skiing distances