July 30, 2012 (Norway) – Petter Northug recently signed a new four-year contract with the Norwegian Ski Association which means the World Champion and Olympic winner will be member of their national cross-country team until 2016. “I depend on the very best support and the very best training conditions,” commented Northug.

“I do this to avoid speculations. There is no doubt that I will find the best support and training conditions on the national team,” he continued. The Norwegian star has risen up through the ranks of the Norwegian elite sport program, from club, to district, to junior national, and now their senior national teams.

“There has never been any other relevant way than this. Nowadays, also the training partners and the atmosphere on the national team are important to me. I look forward to many championships with the Norwegian flag on my chest,” Northug claimed.

Åge Skinstad, the head of the Norwegian cross-country skiing team, is pleased to have Northug’s signature in place. “The coming seasons with championships in Val di Fiemme, Winter Olympics in Sochi and World Championships in Falun are important to us,” said Skinstad.

He is aware that the team is by far the best place for the development of cross-country skiers. “All the skiers are of the same opinion today. The reason is that you can train with the best, share experience and get the best support, particularly in ski waxing,” explained Skinstad.

Erik Røste, the newly elected president of the Norwegian Ski Association, was also pleased. “Norway’s goal is the be the world’s best skiing nation. We believe that the best way to succeed is by developing the Norwegian elite sport model.

“In many ways it starts at school, in the clubs and go through ski high schools and national teams. The program’s level competence is continuously reviewed and developed. We have a long tradition and very good experience with national teams in all of our six disciplines.

“The community is essential for good individual performances and the best for individual development. Therefore we are very pleased that Petter Northug jr. has signed a long-term agreement with the NSF,” Røste concluded.