Norwegian nightmare start to 2026 – GC hope Astrid Øyre Slind and sprint talent Oskar Opstad Vike withdraw from Tour de Ski

Norwegian nightmare start to 2026 – GC hope Astrid Øyre Slind and sprint talent Oskar Opstad Vike withdraw from Tour de Ski

By Espen Blaker — updated 01/01/2026 11:54 (CET)

Two of Norway’s hopes have had a heavy start to 2026 in Italy.

Astrid Øyre Slind woke up with a cold on New Year’s Day and has left the Tour de Ski to return home. NRK first reported the story. In a press release Slind called it "annoying but nothing to be done about." Slind, 37, had been Norway’s main overall contender and was second overall heading into Thursday’s 20 km classic. Her coach Chris Jespersen told NRK she had “the best chance ever” to win her first Tour. Before the 20 km she lay about 50 seconds behind leader Jessica Diggins; Julie Bjervig Drivenes is now the best-placed Norwegian in 12th, 1:54 back.

The focus has now shifted to the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics starting in about a month. Jespersen said the plan is for Slind to return to altitude on 12 January.

On the men’s side Norway also loses a starter. Oskar Opstad Vike felt his back again during Wednesday’s 5 km and has chosen to go home. The 21-year-old only recently recovered from stress fractures in his back (diagnosed in September). Opstad Vike had forced himself into the Olympic discussion after taking third place in the first Tour sprint; Saturday’s second sprint is important for Olympic selection. The Norwegian Ski Federation is expected to name the remaining Olympic starters after the Tour de Ski.

Three stages remain in this year’s Tour: the 20 km classic on Thursday, the sprint on Saturday and the 10 km freestyle mass start on Sunday.

Photos: Getty Images

Related links: NRK report on Slind’s withdrawal; other Eurosport stories on Norwegian riders and Tour de Ski developments.