Great Britain cross-country skiing receives private investment which is set to save their winter season

ByEurosport

Published 17/11/2022 at 11:41 GMT

Great Britain's cross-country skiing team has received crucial private investment which rescues the team from folding altogether. Kjell Inge Rokke's group, Aker Solutions, have agreed to provide funding while a partnership with private cross-country team 'Team Aker Dæhlie' - spearheaded by skiing legend Bjørn Dæhlie - has also been agreed.

BEIJING, CHINA - February 02: Andrew Musgrave of Great Britain training at the Zhangiakou National Cross Country Centre in preparation for the forth coming Winter Olympic Games on February 2nd, 2022 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Gett

Image credit: Eurosport

British cross-country skiing has received funding of around £20,000 from investment group Aker Solutions, which is expected to save the team for the season.

Great Britain, who are coached by Jostein Vinjerui and Hans Kristian Stadheim, lost their funding from the British Olympics Association (BOA) and UK Sport after a disappointing campaign at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics.

It has meant that coaches have since worked unpaid at times and athletes Andrew Musgrave, James Clugnet and Joe Davies have had limited financial support.

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But on Thursday, it was announced that Great Britain's cross-country team has entered into a sponsorship agreement with Kjell Inge Rokke's group Aker Solutions and a partnership with private cross-country team Team Aker Daehlie, spearheaded by skiing legend Bjorn Daehlie.

The agreement, which will last until October 2024, will see four athletes take part in the regular World Cup and four in the World Cup for para-athletes.

Vinjerui said: "This [deal] corresponds to us being able to operate the team on roughly half the budget compared to what we have done in the past.

"We are not on target with an optimal investment, but enough so that we can stay afloat and offer a plan for the World Cup runners."

Hans Kristian Stadheim said: "I think cross-country skiing has major challenges with the fact that many nations are struggling financially.

"They have great talents that will never get the opportunity, if we don't come together and achieve exactly what we are trying to create here: To work together."

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