Petter Northug was stopped at a speed control outside Oslo on Thursday after driving 168 kilometers per hour on a 110 road.

This led to the police later finding cocaine in the Norwegian ski star's home and now he is suspected of three crimes.

- It is sad what has happened. I guess everyone thinks so. And so does Petter, says Halfvarsson.

How did you react to the news?

- You will be surprised. It was sad news to read. You just thought it was a shame.

Calle Halfvarsson and Petter Northug had a rivalry in the ski tracks until the Norwegian finished 2018. It was usually with a twinkle in the eye and now they are good friends.

- We are good friends. We do not hang out very often considering that he lives in Norway and I in Sweden, but we usually write to each other sometimes and send pictures and so on. I've heard a little with him now too.

What is he saying?

- We have not talked so much, but he thinks it is heavy. It's one thing he thing get through.

Halfvarsson has a collaboration with Northug's company that manufactures ski goggles. Even if no decision has been made, it is likely that this cooperation will remain intact even after this incident.

- We have not really made a decision about it yet. I do not see it as a solution to break anything. It does not help Petter in this situation. We will see what happens in the future, says Halfvarsson.

It sounds like you do not break the cooperation if you get to choose?

- That's how I think it will be. I want Petter well and since this is a big problem for him, I would like to help a friend.

THIS HAS HAPPENED: Cocaine possession and violent driving

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