The long-distance race at Birkebeinerrennet in Norway would offer a handsome farewell to a Norwegian champion who is concluding his career.
Cross-country skiing withdrew from the World Cup and value competitions for longer trips Marit Bjørgen hopes he still has a chance to compete Therese Johaugia against him before withdrawing from the competitions.
Björgen proposes that Johaug, who is finishing his career this season, take part in the Birkebeinerrennet competition on 19 March.
Bjørgen, who is currently preparing for a traditional Vasaloppet, told the Swedish news agency TT that he had previously discussed this possibility with Johaug.
“We’ve talked about it, but he was a little down when we talked. He had emotions on the surface after the decision to quit because skiing and racing have been such a big part of his life, ”Bjørgen revealed.
In previous discussions, Bjørgen had encouraged Johaug to continue his career next winter and Planica’s 2023 World Championships. However, he said Johaug’s thoughts changed after the Beijing Olympics.
“From previous discussions, there was a feeling that he had not yet achieved all his goals. Apparently, the decision to quit matured after the Olympics, ”Bjørgen speculated.
“There are other important things in life, and he already has a fantastic career behind him.”
Therese Johaug won her first Olympic gold in Beijing.
Johaug achieved three personal Olympic golds at the Beijing Games, the first of his career. At the time of the previous Winter Olympics, he was out of competition.
From previous competitions in 2010 and 2014, he had gold medal and personal silver and bronze medals.
At the World Championships, Johaug has won 14 gold, 2 silver and 3 bronze medals. In his career, Bjørgen won 15 Olympic and 26 World Championship medals, 26 of which were gold.
The World Cross Country Skiing Cup ends with the Falun Games on March 12th. The encounter of Norwegian superstars at the Birkebeinerrennet would then be a glamorous decision for the winter ski race.
The opportunity is likely to be attractive, as Russia’s Cup decision scheduled for Tyumen in Russia has been canceled due to the war in Ukraine.
“Our encounter is now entirely possible. Other skiers can enter the competition from the Cup tour, ”Bjørgen thought.
Vasaloppet (90 km) will be skied on Tuesday and its Norwegian counterpart Birkebeinerrennet (54 km) in two weeks.
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