Each nation can only enter one team at next years two person sprint relay at the Worlds in Oberstdorf, Germany. The race will this time be held in the freestyle (skating) technique.  The situation in Norway is that not only are all the sprinters drooling to make one of the two legs, but some members of the regular team are also feeling that they have a chance at qualifying for what’s called “the hardest team to makeâ€.
Tore Ruud Hofstad, a member of the regular national team is one of the skiers that want to fight for a one of the two spots.
– I really want to race that race. I can do a great job in that relay if I’m in shape, says Hofstad.
Hofstad is of the opinion that there is a large responsibility resting on the relay team’s selection committee.
– The most important is to look at who is in shape. 15-kilometer skating is the first event at Worlds and that should be viewed as at least as important of a qualification race as pre-Words sprint races. There is a big difference between a regular sprint and the sprint relay. Sprint relay, especially on this tough course is more like a regular race. It will regardless be a tough fight to earn a spot on the team.
Tore doesn’t deny that he might be focusing more than usual fine-tuning his sprint.
– I usually have problems making the top 16 in the prolog, but with the changes this season with the top 30 advancing in certain races, will make me select and enter some sprint races, says Hofstad.
