Another solid name will miss the Norwegian cross-country skiing premiere this weekend. Last week, Johannes Høsflot Klæbo reported that he tested positive for Covid, and now it is confirmed that he will not start any races in Beitostølen. 

According to a press release from Johannes Høsflot Klæbo, the Norwegian cross-country skiing star has decided to skip this weekend’s season premiere at Beitostølen. 

The reason is that he was diagnosed with Covid on Tuesday, November 7, and he does not feel ready for competitions.

“It’s too early to take the risk of competing. My body doesn’t feel ready yet,” says Klæbo and adds:

“But I would have loved to take part, both to test my body and to test the brand new ski suit that Ola has made. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out that way,” he says.

Last week, Johannes Høsflot Klæbo reached an agreement with the Norwegian Ski Association, meaning that the Norwegian cross-country skier was ready for the season premiere and the World Cup in Ruka, Finland. But at the same time, the skier reported that he has tested positive for Covid, putting his participation in the early-season competitions at risk. 

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

“I’ve started lighter training after Covid, but I’m not yet ready to challenge my body with tough races,” says the 27-year-old.

According to Klæbo’s press contact, Lasse Gimnes, the skier believes it’s too early to say whether there will be a World Cup start in Ruka in just over a week.

Many absences

Johannes Høsflot Klæbo is one of many athletes who are forced to skip the season opener in Beitostølen. 

Earlier today, Petter Northug, Team Janteloppet, announced that he will miss the races in Norway. He is one of many athletes who are forced to skip the season opener in Beitostølen.

The reason is a shoulder strain the 37-year-old incurred in the last intense training period leading up to the season openers. He realizes he will also miss the season opener in Beitostølen after skipping the races at the Finnish premiere in Muonio. Northug is not taking any chances.

Read More: Petter Northug misses Beitostølen

Yesterday, it became clear that neither Ingvild Flugstad Østberg nor Helene Marie Fossesholm will participate in the opening weekend. They also did not participate in the national team’s last altitude training in Livigno in the October/November transition.

Flugstad Østberg has been denied a start because she does not meet the requirements of the health certificate. Fossesholm has had a challenging preseason and has indefinitely put her career on hold.

Last week, Julie Myhre announced that she will miss the season opener due to injuries.

Furthermore, Tiril Udnes Weng has contracted Covid. Three men’s national team members also got Covid in Finland before the weekend and had to return home from Muonio on Friday.

Read more: Covid hits Norwegian National Team in Finland