The equipment agreement with the union is a drawn-out story where gloves are one of the points. The agreement has not yet been signed. The activists want gloves to be freely chosen, just as they do today with skis, sticks and ski boots.

Following complaints last season, the Swiss clothing company has worked in close collaboration with the biggest stars Johannes Thingnes Bö, brother Tarjei Bö and Tiril Eckhoff to develop the gloves.

They were tested in a sharp position in Trysil earlier this week where it was 15 minus degrees.

- It was a significant improvement but there are some who are not yet satisfied with the product, says Erlend Bjöntegaard to NRK.

- We can't take medals if we freeze our fingers, says Tarjei Bö.

Six different gloves for Thingnes Bö last season

The biggest star, Johannes Thingnes Bö, who used six different gloves last season, will break the deal if he is faced with a choice.

- I will use a glove that keeps me warm and that I can hit the boards in a good way. I will be so cynical that I do not use products that are not good enough, says Thingnes Bö, who will use the union's sponsor glove - if it is good enough.

Last season, Thingnes Bö won four World Cup golds in Östersund and the overall World Cup after taking a record 16 individual World Cup victories.

The Norwegian biathlon association aims to have the agreement ready for the start of the season next weekend.