Jorgen Aukland is a happy that the Norwegian Ski Federation is suggesting a Worlds-title in long-distance skiing. He would like to see the title be available in an existing long-distance race.
Source: Langrenn.com
Aukland is a member the Norwegian long-distance team and has among others several top three finishes in the Swedish Vasaloppet.
He wants the title in one of the existing eight races in the FIS marathon Cup.
– I hope that they don’t come up with a new 70-kilometer skate race. It’s not enough to change the distance from 50 to 70 kilometer, says Jorgen Aukland.
He is pointing out that the existing races have a long history behind them. To establish a new race as Worlds could be hard given the competition from the existing races.
Would prefer every year.
Aukland would like to see the title up for grabs every year as opposed to every fourth years as suggested.
– It would make sense if the title was on the line every year, but I’m regardless happy if we get a championship at all, says Aukland.
At this point he has made no plans to fight for a title in 2008.
– No this is a new idea and I haven’t thought that far down the road, says Aukland
He is hoping that a Worlds title will increase the status of the long distance skiers.
– A Worlds title will hopefully increase the level even more and at the same time give the events and racers more recognition and status, says Aukland
