It was supposed to be the first step toward earning a spot on Norway’s Olympic team, but it ended in disaster already in the prologue in Ruka. Now, they feel nothing but discouragement.

“The Olympics might as well be the Olympics with the shape I have right now,” says Lotta Udnes Weng after being eliminated in the prologue of Saturday morning’s sprint in Ruka.

The Norwegian sprint star finished 42nd, nearly 13 seconds behind prologue winner Johanna Hagström.

Also Read: Ruka World Cup 2025/2026: women’s sprint qualifier results

For her twin sister Tiril Udnes Weng, the day is even tougher. The 29-year-old is aiming for a comeback after two disastrous seasons plagued by illness and setbacks, but finishes more than 16 seconds behind the winner and places 50th.

“It’s by far the worst feeling I’ve had since last year. A little déjà vu,” Tiril Udnes Weng tells NRK.

The story continues below.

Read More: Moved out from her sister – Ready for the most important comeback of her career

Both are clear that they cannot blame the skis.

“I wish I could blame the skis, but that’s not what’s wrong. I’m knocked out here for the third year in a row in Ruka. It sucks, but that’s how it is,” Lotta tells NRK.

Wants to go home immediately

After crossing the finish line, the sisters were devastated. The World Cup sprint in Ruka was supposed to be the first step toward securing a place on Norway’s Olympic team in February. Now, they feel only discouragement.

“I just want to go home as soon as possible,” says Lotta Udnes Weng to NRK after the prologue.

“It’s depressing to be an Udnes Weng today. There’s no reason to be here.”

FACTS Ruka World Cup Season 2025/2026

• When: Friday, November 28 to Sunday, November 30 
• Who: Elite national skiers – women and men
• Where: Ruka, Finland
• What: FIS Cross-Country World Cup in Ruka, Finland

PROGRAM

Friday, November 28: 10km Interval Start Classic (More details can be found HERE)

• 10:30 CET: 10km Individual C, Women
• 13:15 CET: 10km Individual C, Men

Saturday, November 29: Sprint Classic (More details can be found HERE)

• 8:55 CET: Sprint Qualify C, Women
• 8:55 CET: Sprint Qualify C, Men 
• 11:25 CET: Sprint Final C, Women 
• 11:25 CET: Sprint Final C, Men

Sunday, November 30: 20km Mass Start Freestyle (More details can be found HERE)

• 10:00 CET: 20km Mass Start F, Men
• 11:45 CET: 20km Mass Start F, Women

After Ruka, the World Cup heads to Norway (Trondheim). Then, to Switzerland (Davos) and the Tour de Ski (Italy). This period is followed by competitions in January in Germany (Oberhof) and Switzerland (Goms).

Then, it’s time for the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympic Games from February 7 to 22, 2026.

After Milano-Cortina, the World Cup ends the season with weekends in Sweden (Falun), Finland (Lahti), Norway (Drammen-Oslo), and the USA (Lake Placid).

Read More: Cross-country skiing World Cup: Calendar for the 2025/2026 winter season 

Are you interested in traditional cross-country skiing? Click HERE and read more about it.