Simen Hegstad Krüger, Hans Christer Holund, both clubmates in the Oslo club Lyn Ski, and Iver Tildheim Andersen, together with Jens Burman, were the only ones to change skis after three laps, 25 km, something they lost just over 20 seconds on.
When the large group changed skis one lap (8.3 km) the conditions were the opposite and the Norwegian trio gained a lead of just over half a minute.
Only 36 riders got to the start six days after the WC's final five-mile classic in Planica.
Last year, 64 started.
NRK's expert Anders Aukland called the nob by Krüger in the WC's five-mile the biggest scandal ever at a Norwegian selection ever.
Krüger wanted to drive but was considered not good enough in classic style, which also applied to Hans Christer Holund, who was also rated in the WC's five-mile race.