November 15, 2010 (Beitostoelen, Norway) – The Norwegian star Petter Northug, who won four Olympic medals in 2010, is ill and was forced to end his first foray into FIS competition in Beitostoelen, Norway early after two sub-par races. According to a report on langrenn.com. his start in the World Cup opener in Gälliavre, Sweden next weekend should not be jeopardized.

At a press conference earlier this week, Northug confirmed his conviction to perform well in the World Cup opener in Gällivare, but he struggled in Beitostoelen, finishing 49th in the 15km free and failed to qualify in Saturday’s sprint 1.4km free sprint.

According to langrenn Northug’s poor showing is due to a minor illness, which coaches plan to rectify by giving the skier two days rest, followed by lighter workouts on Tuesday and Wednesday before he heads to Gällivare, Sweden on Thursday to prepare for the World Cup opener.

Read the langrenn.com story HERE (Norwegian).