Petter Northug was named the winner of the Tour de Ski edition in 2015 after Martin Johnsrud Sundby was disqualified as a result of a breach of the doping rules.
But it wasn’t until February 2024 that he was handed the visible proof of the victory.
OPTURP: Petter Northug with the Tour de Ski trophy. Photo: Magnus Krogsæter Aarre / TV 2
The online newspaper have previously tracked down the trophy’s location. Dusted in the warehouse of the Ski Association.
After finishing the Norwegian Cup race on Saturday, Northug received the trophy. Before he could touch the trophy, the king of cross-country skiing had to put on a pair of white gloves.
– I received a prize, not for the performance here at Nes, but from 2015 and the Tour de Ski. It’s the first time I get to touch the trophy. It was very good to get it home, says Northug to TV 2.
– What does that mean?
– That means a lot. The 2015 season was emotional for me. From the deepest downturn to the biggest sporting ups. Collecting all the trophies from that season and giving it a place, we must do. We intend to arrange a small prize room at home on the farm with the gold medals from Falun and not least the Tour de Ski trophy.
– You made a slightly dubious comment about what you were going to do with the trophy?
– I guess I said I was going to sleep with it. A desperate attempt as it has been dry lately. There were nice shapes on the trophy, I think we will have some nice days ahead.
BARIS: Northug posed shirtless with the Tour de Ski trophy. Photo: Morten Kristoffersen / TV 2
Trønder was unable to get involved in the tight battle in the Norwegian Cup race over 10 kilometers on Nes. The 38-year-old slipped to the finish line over a minute behind leader Håvard Hovde.
It lasted until 35th place in the end. Iver Tilheim Andersen won.
The editors inform: Petter Northug is associated with TV 2 as a cross-country expert.