Bjœrn Dæhlie: I see a lot of myself in Petter

– Cross country skiing is the sport I care the most for. I’m still training, and I will get together with Petter and ski a few times with him this winter, and we will ski fast, ensures Dæhlie.

Dæhlie has already made suggestions for how things can be handled simpler for Norway’s new ski star.

– He has private sponsorships and interests on one side and the Federations Interest on the other side. My suggestion is that it’s possible to solve this within the Federations guide-lines.

And Petter’s dad, John Northug confirms that Daehlie's advise so far have been very constructive.

Recognizing the situtions

Bjœrn Dæhlie characterizes Petter Northug as southern European and an un-traditional ski racer.

– Norwegian cross country skiing needs athletes that are different. We have to be able to accept and handle that. He has lots of appeal, but it’s not so easy for Petter to see that.

And Dæhlie admits that he is recognizing himself in Petter Northug.

– We have a lot of the same ski enjoyment, the pressure he is under and all of his challenges are something I recognize well, says the former ski king.

But Dæhlie says that he is done with ”that” part of the ski sport. His focus is now on construction projects and his clothing company, and he has good contacts with many skiers through clothing sponsorships.

Dæhlie has no plans of interfering with Petter’s training plans, but hopes to be a support person when needed.

– He has good support from his dad, but I think it’s smart to have someone besides family who knows the ”game” to make suggestions, says the former World’s best skier.

Source: Langrenn.com