Junior World Champion and World Cup race winner Petter Northug believes that Jan Egil Andresen will lose out by reducing his weight and losing muscle mass.
— I’d rather be a few kilos over race weight, he says.
 last summer, nows he's added some weight back.</p>
<p>– I made progress in running, but struggled on rollerskis and in sprint, says Northug. He felt that this didn’t benefit his skiing, and by the time the ski season started he was back to 81-82 kilo (180 lbs), equal to what he believes is a good race weight for himself. Norway’s big hope for the future believes that a weight reduction isn’t beneficial in the long run.</p>
<p>-You need muscle mass in order to ski fast, especially for us all-rounders. Jan Egil Andresen is more of a distance specialist than I, but it’s doubtful that he’ll become a better skier by reducing his weight.</p>
<p>Northug explains that that he gained 10 kilo from he was 15 to when was 16-years old. He feels that this was a main reason for his progress that season.</p>
<p>– I did lots of rollerskiing and strength that summer and fall. I also grew a lot that year.</p>
<p>Soft drinks and candy</p>
<p>Northug is usually losing a little weight right before the season starts. He feels that this is a result of lots of training.</p>
<p>The four-time junior World Champion from last winter doesn’t hide the fact that he is fond of soft drinks and candy.</p>
<p>– I’m drinking quite a bit Coke and often eat candy, says Petter Northug</p>
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Source: Langrenn.com
