The Norwegian team set to compete at this week’s World Cup stage in Oberhof bears little resemblance to last season’s lineup — or even to the squad seen at the start of the current season.
Last year in Oberhof, Norway fielded Johannes Boe, Tarjei Boe, Sturla Laegreid, Endre Stroemsheim, Vebjoern Soerum and Martin Uldal.
Twelve months later, only Martin Uldal remains from that group in the team heading to Germany.
Sturla Laegreid is ill, overall World Cup leader Johan-Olav Botn is also unwell, and the entire squad is still deeply affected by the sudden death of Sivert Bakken, who had competed in Grand-Bornand shortly before Christmas.
These difficulties are compounded by sporting issues. Endre Stroemsheim is struggling for form, while Vebjoern Soerum has been sent back to the IBU Cup due to physical problems. As a result, the coaching staff has had to dig even deeper into the reserves to complete the lineup.
Alongside Uldal, Vetle Christiansen and Johannes Dale in Oberhof, young Isak Frey will step in to replace Sivert Bakken. Sverre Aspenes, 28, with just seven World Cup starts to his name, has been given another opportunity, while Martin Nevland — a distant cousin of Eric Perrot — will make his debut at the highest level.
This sets the stage for a very challenging period for the Norwegian team, against the backdrop of Olympic selection — a squad full of talent, but also marked by significant absences.
