Norway puts its economic might on display in Planica to dismay of other nations

“…at the entrance to the ( Planica ski) stadium, the Norwegian Skiing Association has left its mark on the arena by parking a large trailer that will delight the association’s VIP guests during the championship…”

Have to give a credit to Nettavisen & the rest of the Norwegian media: they didn’t skip on the most interesting story of the world championships so far.

 

The reaction of the rest of the xcski world was pretty much summed up by the Slovenian xcski legend  Petra Majdic: 

 

” What the hell is Norway doing? Does Norway need to make smaller ski nations even smaller? Fair enough that they can afford to pay 6,000 euros to park here for their sponsors, but the cross-country skiing needs now more than ever that there is less difference between the nations both sportingly and economically!”

Well, everyone knows that the success of the Norwegian skiing is based on much, much deeper pockets than those of the competitors. The difference is even more pronounced this season where another big spending nation, Russia, is not there.  The said pockets are lined through very well oiled machine of onworking sponsors in the country where key companies e.g. oil & gas major Equinor ( big-time xcski sponsor!) doubled their profits in 2022. The key component of that ” onworking” are shindigs of all sorts  for selected dignitaries who’s contribution was essential. There is absolutely nothing illegal in that  – just a bit…ostentatious, shall, we say? Like paying that parking fee for the trailer that exceeds many national teams’ seasonal waxing budgets. Or custom-foiling it for €€€€€. 

Update: on Tuesday morning the Camp Norway trailer was no longer there, at the entrance to the Planica stadium. Somebody took notice, it seems.