SKEIKAMPEN (VG) Emil Iversen (31) suffered a fracture in the Tour de Ski. The experts believe that the national team place is about to explode.
– It was heavy after the tour. The following Monday it was tough, says Iversen in the sunshine during Norway’s World Cup run-up.
But it has been a long time since Iversen’s name has shone on the results list. Since 4th place in the 10 kilometer race at Beitostølen in early December, 10th place is the best result against the world elite. In the Tour de Ski he was number 20.
The poor form development after a tough season last winter has affected the skiing profile.
– I got a crack in the Tour de Ski. Up until then I had several good races, then I had to fight for podium places in the tour. But then I get hit in the nose on day one and fall on day two. Then it goes from ball to ball.
Iversen fought back tears after 2nd place in the national opening:
Iversen became world champion in the five thousand in Oberstdorf and therefore has a free place in the exercise that ends the championship in Planica on March 5, the only exercise he will do in the WC.
– My loved ones have a lot of faith in me, almost more than myself. Otherwise in Norway it is probably a bit mixed. I’m a little bit confused about that. The supporting players are almost the most important, says Iversen about how he perceives the expectations.
Trønder fell ill after the tour. Since then, the training has worked and he has been tested in circuit racing. He has also shielded himself from attention.
– I have been less exposed to the media in recent weeks. I’m a guy with emotions outside of myself, which is fun when things are going well, but it can be a nightmare when things are going badly, says Iversen.
– How is it to go from being someone who can “always” fight for podium places, to having a very long time pass between each time?
– It’s not fun to be where I am now, but it’s a challenge that’s a bit cool. If I manage to figure it out, it will give a real feeling of mastery, says Iversen optimistically.
Viaplay expert Niklas Dyrhaug believes Iversen must perform at the World Cup five-mile if he is to have the opportunity to defend his place in the national team at the selection for next season.
With so much time to prepare for a WC practice, Dyrhaug calls it “the opportunity of the ages” for Iversen to fight back.
– If he goes a bad five miles and now has a bad end to the season, I think it is healthy for Emil to bet privately anyway. Didrik Tønseth, Pål Golberg and I are among those who have done it and managed to get back into the national team. It gave us a new lease of life. It can be healthy for Emil too, says Dyrhaug.
NRK expert Torgeir Bjørn is in line with Dyrhaug.
– I would like to think that the national team place is in danger because there are so many others who are pushing. If he doesn’t get any really good runs going forward, he has had two weak seasons. Then it is natural to give Iver Tildheim Andersen the place on the way forward, says Bjørn.
Iversen understands that the national team place is in danger.
– It is possible not to be in the national team either. I’m not worried about that. I understand that it may be possible to replace me after two bad seasons, I will not cling to any place, I will deserve it, says Iversen.
Cross-country manager Espen Bjervig does not want to select a team for next year yet, but is clear that Iversen should perform going forward.
– There are many gentlemen who walk terribly fast in Norway. Emil has had a rough time this year, but the last half of the season will be important for him going forward. But I haven’t taken out any teams now at all, says Bjervig.
Like Didrik Tønseth, Iversen plans to go 20 kilometers under the joint start Norwegian CupNorwegian Cuprace where the “next best” – usually those who do not go to the World Cup – in Norway go. at Gålå next Friday. Tønseth is wrecked from 15 kilometers of freestyle and three kilometers of ski change.
– It has been confirmed from various quarters that I am a reserve at various races. That’s why I have to have a run-through so I don’t forget the art of cross-country skiing, says Tønseth to VG.
– How is it to get those messages?
– Right then and there it’s boring, then half a day goes by and everything is fine again. But it gets hot when you call around, that’s how it has to be.
