Norway's Sport Manager Åge Skinstad expects that 38 or 39 skiers will be at the start in Drammen. „Norway will be able to use extra quota for the sprint race" explains Skinstad. He expects podium placements both in ladies and men. „We should be able to have at leas two from Norway in the finals" he adds.
„Nations Cup is also very important to us, and we must take the lead again away from the Russians. Drammen audience must help us. I believe it will be a big party there. I promise that our Olympic athletes will delvier top entertainment, "said Skinstad.
Sports boss lays hopes especially on Petter Northug jr.. he had a weekend off and should be recovered. He hopes that the audience will give Northug jr. extra kick on his way to the finals.
Six junior skiers
Six juniors will be on the starting line of Drammen's streets. Petter Northug's brother, Thomas will get a chance for his World Cup debut. Paal Golberg, Ingvild Flugstad Østberg, Maiken Caspersen Falla, Heidi Weng and Kari Ear Slind will acompany him.
„We captured half of all the medals at the World Junior Championships in Hinterzarten and therefore we have big expectations in Drammen. It is important for us to give these youngsters a chance and lift them up to higher level "explained Skinstad.
Contributed by Brit Baldishol and Claes-Tommy Herland
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