– Norwegians are some of the most arrogant people in our World Cup circus, says Moch on the ARD Wintersport podcast.
The 23-year-old German is no stranger to the Tour de Ski podium. He was eighth just over a year ago and capped the season with a World Championship bronze in the relay.
When NRK spoke to him after the first stage in Toblach, Moch stressed that he didn't mean it in a bad way.
– I have a lot of respect for Norwegians. I admire the way they work and how they run competitions. Everyone is a role model for me. I feel like it's a bit difficult to communicate with them in certain situations. Sometimes it seems a bit arrogant, Moch tells NRK.
– In any way Are they arrogant? Do you know anyone? themselves Among the Norwegians?
– No, I don't want to mention names, but sometimes I feel like they're ignoring me a little. For example, when I want to thank in the goal area and the like.
– Oh, those were harsh words
Trønderhåpet Jan Thomas Jenssen does not acknowledge allegations of Norwegian arrogance.
– of course not. Vanity is something I'm not, so I wonder where he gets that from. Whether I'm the one with the most people or the biggest trailer etc. is something to think about. So I can say that as a team we are not arrogant, says Jensen to NRK -And he smiles:
– No, I'll remember to talk to him the day after tomorrow.
Pål Golberg is also puzzled by the statements made by Moch:
– Oh, those were harsh words. “That's not fun to hear,” says Golberg, a little puzzled.
-I don't consider myself arrogant, but I didn't really talk to the German boys. They didn't talk to me either, but obviously I should raise this issue first.
Don't Recognize Himself: Pal Gulberg.
Photo: Terje Pedersen/NTB
Defending the Norwegians
Italian Federico Pellegrino has frustrated the Norwegians for several years with his intelligence and pace, but he has never been described as “arrogant”. He defends his colleagues.
-You know that I participated a lot in speed races. The speed race is where the arrogant can get a little ahead of themselves. I think they always behave well. We always want to do our best and win, but we respect each other on and off the track. From time to time, you can bump into each other or be a little more aggressive, but that's part of the sport.
Moch doesn't just have negative things to say about his rivals from the north. He's quite impressed with Johannes Hosflot Klaebo, who is sitting out ski touring due to illness, and how Norway dominates the ski run. Refers to competitors as a superior force.
The German hope did not reach the qualifying rounds during the sprint race on Saturday. It was won by Lucas Chanavat ahead of Jules Chabazz and Ben Ogden.
note! You can hear Toblach's second stage and the rest of the Tour de Ski on NRK Sport on the radio.
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