The cross-country skiing Legend was initially set to compete at the Norwegian national season opener in Beitostølen. That will not happen.

“Petter is sitting out. He was scheduled to race, but illness beforehand meant he hadn’t been able to train enough. He has no business being in a ski race right now,” says Tomas Northug, his younger brother and Pro Team Director of Team Burger King, to Trønder-Avisa.

Petter Northug fell ill during his last altitude camp in Livigno at the turn of October/November. For the same reason, Julie Victoria Berg, the newcomer to Northug’s long-distance team, will also miss the season opener at Beitostølen this coming weekend.

The Pro Team Director adds that Petter Northug and the team’s two women still plan to race the Norwegian Cup opener at Gålå the weekend of November 28 to 30.

Over three days in Beitostølen and Gällivare, it will be decided which athletes will compete at the World Cup opener in Ruka from November 28 to 30, marking the first step on the road to the 2026 Olympics.

The program features both sprint and distance races, with start lists that include World Cup stars, elite racers, and long-distance specialists from over 20 nations.

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

Clinging to the World Championships dream

Petter Northug concluded his World Cup career in December 2018, with 13 World Championship gold medals and two Olympic gold medals in his collection. When he made his comeback in 2022, it was primarily focused on long-distance racing and Ski Classics. But he admits he cannot completely leave traditional cross-country skiing behind.

Earlier this year, Northug confirmed that he is working on concrete plans to compete at the World Championships in Falun in 2027.

For Northug, a World Championships in Falun would be a very special way to end his career. When Falun last hosted the World Championships in 2015, Northug won four medals.

“It would be cool to end my career there.”

The ski star will be 41 years old when the 2027 World Championships take place in Falun.

Read More: Team Burger King Northug – Pro Team presentation Season XVII

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