The ski star from Norway will not be on the start line at the national season opener in Beitostølen. That became clear on Tuesday.

When the Norwegian cross-country elite kicks off the season at Beitostølen this coming weekend, it will be without Ingvild Flugstad Østberg.

After several seasons with health problems, Flugstad Østberg lost her national team spot after the 2022 Olympics but continued competing privately with national team coach Pål Gunnar Mikkelsplass as one of her key supporters. She fought her way back into the team for the 2023 World Championships in Planica. There, she won gold in the relay and finished fifth, seventh, and 11th in individual races.

Also Read: Massive support for Ingvild Flugstad Østberg

Flugstad Østberg regained national team support ahead of the 2023/2024 season, but did not receive medical clearance. She didn’t get it last autumn either. And now it is confirmed that the 35-year-old will not compete at the season opener in Beitostølen this coming weekend. Mikkelsplass confirms this, without further comment, according to TV 2.

It all kicks off on Friday

The Norwegian cross-country season properly gets underway with the season opener at Beitostølen this coming weekend. The race weekend begins with a classic sprint on Friday, a 10km classic on Saturday, and a 10km freestyle on Sunday. Two of the three disciplines are also on the program for the 2026 Olympics: classic sprint and 10km freestyle.

Read More: All you need to know about the cross-country season opener: Program and TV schedule

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