At the beginning of August, Petter Northug, with, among other things, two Olympic gold medals on his merit list, announced that he is no longer just an exerciser but is making a serious commitment to the long-distance Ski Classics cup.
This weekend, the 36-year-old Norwegian competed in the 48 kilometer Alliansloppet on roller skis in Trollhättan.
It was a tough challenge.
- It was heavy.
I think this is my first 50 kilometers since 2018. I regretted it after one kilometer, he tells SVT Sport.
But despite the feeling after the heavy weekend, Northug does not regret his choice to bet on the winter long race.
- No, I need this training to get in shape.
I'm looking forward to ski classics races.
I long for winter.
I will spend September, October and November training hard.
Northug, who finished his career in 2018, believes he can do well.
- We'll see how the training goes this autumn.
But if I get good training and get some flow, I think I can assert myself well in some races, says Northug.
Ski Classics is broadcast on SVT Sport.
The season begins on December 10 in Bad Gastein.