November 18, 2010 – Petter Northug delivered two sub-par performances at the national opener in Beitostoelen. On Saturday afternoon he left home with sickness. Northug did not feel well and over 15 km Free he finished 49th and in Saturday’s sprint 1.4 Free he failed to qualify for the heats. Weak performance was caused by a slight illness, which was confirmed by coach Vidar Løfshus: “After today’s sprint prologue, he felt tired, unwell and has also had a headache ” he explained to langrenn.com on Saturday.

Norwegian team leaves without Northug
Internet server nrksport.no brought the information that the Norwegian team is leaving for Gällivare today without Northug. He is reportedly staying home for a training session. The decision of whether or not he participates in Sweden’s World Cup opener this weekend will be based on how he feels in that workout.