40-year-old Björgen has previously told NRK that it was only after she had announced her long-distance bet that she was asked if she had joined the so-called Adams program (where practitioners fill in where they are to submit to unannounced doping tests) again.
And she had missed that.
To be allowed to compete, you must have been in the system for six months and Björgen applied to have it shortened to five months and be able to compete in Italy on January 31 and get it as a good check before the main goal Vasaloppet which runs March 7.
Björgen is free to start competing again only on Sunday 28 February, which is the weekend before the Vasaloppet, which will now probably be the comeback for the ski queen.
Plan B is now competition-like training
- It would have been ideal if she could have participated in Marcialonga to be able to get used to the pace of competition.
She is not the favorite in the Vasaloppet now, Aukland now tells NRK.
Now the stable can put plan B into action.
- I can simply be Björgen's competitor in the tracks in competition-like training in the future.
Fortunately, there are good training conditions in Lommedalen where we can do it, says Aukland.
- She has impressed with her attitude and willingness to develop.
What we do not know is if she has this kick that is needed after three hours of staking, says Aukland.