Cross-country skiing : Paal Golberg takes his first podium of the winter in France
On the cross-country skiing World Cup, Paal Golberg had not experienced the joys of an individual podium finish since 10 March 2024, when he came third in the legendary 50km classic in Oslo-Holmenkollen (Norway). On Friday, in the individual skate race of the French stage in Les Rousses (Jura), the Norwegian found his way back into the top 3.
Only beaten by his team-mate Iver Tildheim Andersen, the Scandinavian nevertheless reassured himself after a start to the winter that fell short of his expectations. Not included in the Tour de Ski, the 34-year-old cross-country skier was enjoying his return to the limelight in the mixed zone. We spoke to Nordic Magazine.
- How do you feel about this podium?
It was good because it was a fun race with fast conditions. It’s a very good day for me. My start to the season hasn’t been good so far but I’m happy to be back in contention for a podium finish.

- This second place should be all the more reassuring after a difficult start to the winter…
It didn’t turn out the way I’d hoped. My aim was to be out in front in Ruka and Lillehammer. I was hoping to get a place in the team going to the world championships. Instead, I was 10th or 11th choice. It’s hard to be a skier in Norway.
“Maybe I’ll be able to get a place at the Worlds, but it’s not certain”.Paal Golberg to Nordic Magazine
- How do you feel about your first tests in 2025?
I trained well over Christmas and I’m ready to compete again. We’ll see, maybe I’ll be able to get a place at the Worlds, but it’s not certain.
- Where do you think you lost the race to your compatriot Iver Tildheim Andersen?
I started quite hard but I paid for it in the second lap. I still managed to finish the race well. I heard that Iver [Tildheim Andersen] was accelerating on the second lap and that I was behind. I think I’ve lost the race here but I’m happy to be on the box. It’s a big step for me.

- Many athletes found the track demanding, what do you think?
It’s a fun track and it offers something different. It’s not like other races. But it was already fun to ski here two years ago and I’m really looking forward to the mass start on Sunday.
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