Eirik Myhr Nossum was thrilled by Emil Iversen’s progress. Then the Tour de Ski started.
OBERSTDORF / VAL DI FIEMME (Nettavisen): National team coach Nossum had expectations when Iversen started in the winter edition of the tour.
On Saturday, however, Iversen chose to cancel the Tour de Ski due to the body not playing on a team.
The national team coach did not see the downturn coming.
– Things went exactly according to the book after Lillehammer and towards the Tour de Ski. Everything that was done during that period was very good. So this is surprising. That is also a bit why it is time to go home and find out what this is due to, Nossum says to Nettavisen.
The national team coach says that they will work thoroughly when Iversen now returns to Norway.
– We will try to find out what this is due to. Blood samples and various tests will be taken to look where it is desired. The most important thing now is to find out what it can be and what we can possibly do with it, says Nossum.
Also read: Iversen cancels the Tour de Ski immediately
– Incredibly awkward
Last season, the national team coach saw an Iversen in brilliant form. It all peaked with World Cup gold in the 50-kilometer race in Oberstdorf.
However, the performance in the Tour de Ski is little reminiscent of the performance of a reigning world champion.
– I think it’s incredibly awkward. I never think that athletes are not where they think they should be, says Nossum.
He spoke to Iversen after Saturday’s prologue in Oberstdorf and the message from the student was clear.
– He says that it is energyless and dead.
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Few weeks until the Olympics
Iversen is now starting to have a hard time regaining energy.
In less than a month, there will be a departure to Beijing, where the Olympics will be held.
Iversen has already been included in the Norwegian squad, but indicated in Lenzerheide earlier this week that he is open to giving up space if he is not in shape.
Also read: Program for Tour de Ski
For the time being, however, it is not planned to reconsider any Olympic selection of the national team management.
– The Olympics are far in the future and now all the focus is on getting him level, says Nossum.
The Tour de Ski continues without Iversen on the starting line with a 15-kilometer joint start in Val di Fiemme on Monday, before the tour ends up the monster hill on Tuesday.
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