The regulations prevailed. All three private team athletes have agreed to join the Norwegian national team after their exemption requests were denied – but the battle is not over for Klæbo.

An outdated rule from 2013 gives the Norwegian Ski Association the power to exclude top athletes. The background is paragraph 205.2 of the Association’s general regulations, which states that athletes who decline a national team spot cannot represent Norway in the World Cup and championships. 

In the past, individual athletes have received exemptions from this controversial rule, but this year the Association has tightened its grip significantly. 

Astrid Øyre Slind, Karoline Simpson-Larsen, and Karoline Grøtting have all had their requests denied. They have now agreed to join the national team, but do not hide the fact that they felt compelled to do so. 

Also Read – Aukland: “No one dares to defy them unless they’re Klæbo”

Simpson-Larsen agreed before the weekend. Now, her teammate from the private team Anlegg Øst has also said yes, along with Øyre Slind.

Adaptations granted

Grøtting explains that they have solved with the national team that allows her to continue following the training program and altitude regimen of Anlegg Øst while maintaining her collaboration with coach Emil Hosøy. The 24-year-old from Elverum describes the process as demanding. 

“It has been boring. If I had declined the national team, I would only have been able to compete in the Norwegian Cup next season. That is not an option for me with my goals. It has taken time, but now we have found a solution,” Grøtting tells VG.

Read More: These athletes have received offers for National Team spots

Øyre Slind has also agreed. This is confirmed by the 38-year-old from the private team Team Aker Dæhlie to Adressa.

For her, the same applies. She is said to have secured an agreement that allows her to continue with Chris Jespersen as her coach and choose which of the national team’s training sessions she wishes to attend.

The story continues below.

No solution for Klæbo

As for Johannes Høsflot Klæbo, there is currently no agreement in place. 

The 29-year-old has had a special agreement with the Ski Association for the past two seasons that granted him significant freedom. Now that the agreement has expired, the Association signals that they do not intend to offer him the same level of freedom in a new contract.

Klæbo’s media contact, Lasse Gimnes, confirms to several media outlets that they are in dialogue with the Ski Association regarding an agreement. He also states that he cannot speculate on how long it will take. 

“It will likely take some time before decisions are made in either direction,” Klæbo’s advisor Lasse Gimnes tells NRK.

Read More: Klæbo’s demands to the Norwegian Ski Association

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