The Northug Disc in seasonal opening: – It was unique

Beitostolen Northug has had a delicate and disease-induced seasonality. It did not hide that the form was something completely different from what it should be.

The 15 kilometers on Friday, he performed better than expected in a race like that of Didrik Tønseth.

Northug finished third by crossing the finish line in third place.

But in the interview sent to the television after finishing, Northug received a message: He was the disc after skating.

"I made the beautiful ice rink in turns." The sinking was so clear, Norhtug said in the interview area after the race.

The jury had four cameras

The organizer followed Northug throughout the race, both via the NRK TV show and four video cameras in the track.

"We saw more clips where he had so many skating tents that he was qualified for the record," said Fridtjof Rannem, Technical Delegate.

The jury found early on that Northug was using ice skating, but he waited until the entire race was over before making his decision.

Northug's time had given 20th place if he had not been disqualified.

Didrik Tønseth was finally the strongest in the men's first season. He was above the finish line 12 seconds faster than Emil Iversen. Sjur Røthe took third place ahead of Martin Johnsrud Sundby. Johannes Høsflot Klæbo became number six.

Read also: Johaug with power demonstration in the return

Better than expected

Northug was easily satisfied with the crossing.

– I am very happy. A little surprised on the last lap. I knew the speed was low, but I heard about third or fourth place. I managed to fight, even if the last two or three kilometers were completely stopped.

– Better than expected?

– Yes, absolutely. I did not think I was going to be in the top 10 with so many players in front of me, "Northug said.

Do you find me? Johaug from Bjørgen: "I am very happy on his behalf.

– I can handle that

– I'm not in shape. Today, at the lake, I had to go out on the place of the last hill. There was flirtation among the public. That's the reality.

He hopes the competition and perhaps a high season will help chart the way for a possible spot in the team for the World Cup in Seefeld.

Aged 32, he stresses that the body must play as a team if there must be an opportunity.

– I can handle that. I have to endure the workout. If I do it, I can say it, at least in a sprint.

Northug will be back in action during Saturday's sprint. Then he will probably go to Gålå next weekend.

– I usually exercise. But I hope to hear well after Gålå. After Gålå, I may know if it is appropriate to travel some distances to Lillehammer (World Cup).

– What does the body tolerate?

"I do not dare to say anything, sometimes I have tolerated a lot and I thought I was back, but I have a setback, I think I should take good action, compete and try to pick me up in front of each race.