One of the national cross-country teams’ biggest sponsors is stepping down after 20 years, not renewing the agreement with the Norwegian Ski Association when it expires this spring.

The Ski Association’s long-standing million-dollar sponsor, Norengros, withdraws as a sponsor of the national cross-country teams. After over 20 years as a sponsor of Norwegian cross-country skiing, the company has decided not to renew the contract with the Ski Association for the coming season. 

“After over 20 years of cross-country skiing, Norengros is out from next season. In short, it is about reaching the goals we entered into the sponsorship with to build familiarity,” says Norengros marketing manager Espen Sørhaug to VG. 

Norengros has sponsored the women’s elite national and men’s distance national teams.

The marketing manager at Norgengros does not want to say how much they have contributed each year but suggests that they are one of the biggest sponsors of the Ski Association, contributing millions. 

Norengros is now withdrawing because the company now feels that they have got what they wanted out of the collaboration. The national team must have been informed that Norengros will not continue the partnership already in March.  

National team manager Espen Bjervig tells VG he has no comment on Norengros withdrawing as a sponsor. However, he has indicated that the national cross-country teams will have to cut expenses but hopes that it can be done without going beyond the sporting aspect. 

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