Kjetil Andre Aamodt wants to move the toilet

Space was tight and smiles were wide as Norway's latest World Cup victories in alpine skiing were celebrated at the Minister of Culture.

Friday 7 June at 09:18

On Tuesday evening, Narvik was chosen as the organizer of the 2029 Alpine World Cup. On Thursday, the Ministry of Culture was transformed into a miniature version of Northern Norway's home to celebrate the award.

There was, among others, the all-time Alpine medalist, Kjetil Andre Aamodt (52), who was instrumental in getting the first ever Alpine World Cup on Norwegian snow.

The skiing legend, winner of 20 Olympic and World Championships medals, believes the Narvik Championships should be added later in the season.

– My suggestion is that the World Cup be delivered on February 28, and then start with the World Cup on March 1 or 2, Aamodt tells VG.

The Alpine WC has not been held this late in winter in 70 years. In 1966, the World Cup was in August, but was then held in Chile.

Otherwise, it was common for the first World Cup to be held at the beginning of February every two years. The World Cup is likely to follow North branchesCross-country skiing, jumping and mergingwhich traditionally occurs in the last week of February and the first week of March.

If Aamodt's wish comes true, the Lahti toilet planned for 2029 will likely start earlier than usual.

– The argument is that when the WC or Olympics end around February 20, there is not much interest in skiing. Everything has been cut in half – like the athletes' bonuses, there are fewer TV viewers, even though there is a month left in the season. Therefore, even if it is a bit late, I think it can increase interest in the sport throughout the entire season, declared Kjetil Andre Aamodt.

In the 2023/24 season, skiing was affected by the lack of snowfall. Many races have been postponed, moved and cancelled. The last of which was during the final match of the World Cup in Saalbach, Austria, last March.

According to the city's mayor, Rune Edvardsen (AFP), this will not cause problems in the northern village.

– No, March is probably the best time in Narvik, says the mayor during the Cabinet visit.

He calls it a “team victory” as Norway's sixth claim to the Alpine Championship has finally been approved. But the Labor mayor also had a team made up exclusively of world champions to present Narvik to the board of the International Ski Federation (FIS):

Kjetil André Aamodt (five WC golds), Thor Hushovd (road world champion) and Ragnhild Mowinckel (three-time junior world champion).

– I sat there with tears in my eyes, describing the mayor of Narvik about communications.

Among other things, Aamodt emphasized Norway's strong advantages and traditions in alpine skiing.

– It's great to have Norway's turn, and to be able to showcase Norway, Northern Norway and Narvik. We need big tournaments for Norway. Minister of Culture and Equality Lubna Jaafari (AFP) says: It is important for the rising generation to see that we have stars on home soil who are performing at a high level.

The state contributes 342 million Norwegian kroner. In addition, there will be just over NOK 440 million in grants from the FIS. The regulator believes the price is more than $700 million.

– Would such an event come at the expense of organizing a new Winter Olympics in Norway?

– No, it's not. I know that it is constantly discussed in sports whether one should apply to participate in the Olympic Games. I've said everywhere that as long as the sport agrees on the place and time, I think it's fine. We want to achieve major tournaments for Norway and we believe that Norway should bear the responsibility of organizing major tournaments. “It is important that we contribute,” says the Minister of Culture.

Read also: Narvik will host the Alpine World Championships in 2029