Superstar Klaebo considers World Cup renunciation

The Nordic World Ski Championships in Oberstdorf could take place without a big star. Johannes Hösflot Klaebo is thinking about a renunciation.

Norwegian cross-country skiing star Johannes Hösflot Klaebo is considering foregoing the Nordic World Ski Championships in Oberstdorf because of the Corona pandemic.

“The top priority for me is to stay healthy. If the risk is too high, you have to think about it,” the three-time Olympic champion told TV2.

He still “hopes and believes” in a solution with a view to the title fights (February 23 to March 7), added the 24-year-old. At the moment, however, the virus is “everywhere” and the risk is too high: “We have to keep our fingers crossed that gradually a vaccine will be available and it will drop again significantly. Because that must be the case if I am to compete in more ski races in the future.”

Klaebo had retired from the World Cup after his overall victory (“Ruka Triple”) at the season opener in Finland. The entire Norwegian team followed his example. The Scandinavians will also forgo the Tour de Ski (January 1-10), the first highlight of the winter. They are not expected to return until the races in Ulricehamn, Sweden, in mid-January at the earliest.