Last week, Swiss Nathalie von Siebenthal announced that she is leaving, only 26 years old. One of the reasons was Therese Johaug's return to the sport.

- Johaug's return to the sport has changed the character of the race. She puts such a high speed right into the race. That arrangement, which fits Johaug well, and which affects the whole field does not suit Nathalie, her coach Peter von Allmen told Norwegian Dagbladet.

"Sad to hear"

The sports magazine states that Johaug will be surprised when she hears it.

- It's sad to hear that she's quit. But I have to focus on my training and how to go fast so she can choose whether she wants to invest or not. It's not something I can control, I can't stop riding fast and exercise less because I'm motivated, she says, adding:

- But it's a pity, we need to bring riders from Switzerland and other countries to preserve cross-country skiing.