FIS was pushed by countries in Central-Europe to introduce a new event; the cross-country sprint, in order to do something with Norway's dominant position in international cross-country skiing. As things have turned out, Tor Arne Hetland and his team-mates on the Norwegian national team have come to dominate even this event.

So far, Norwegian skiers have won 11 out of 14 sprint World Cup competitions. Moreover, Tor Arne Hetland has secured Norway gold in the World Championships as well as in the Olympics.

Saturday, it is time for the XC-skiing sprinters to meet in Düsseldorf, Germany, for the World Cup opener.

In all, the 14 skiers featured in VG today have won as many as 67 World Cup races. This should be proof enough for those who claim that Norwegian cross-country skiing has been going downhhill since Bjørn Dæhlie retired.

The Norwegian national teams are currently training in Val Senales, Italy. Only Jan Jacob Verdenius, overall winner of the sprint World Cup in 2000, is missing.
This is what national coach Carl Henning Gran has to say about his disciples:

Trond Iversen (26) from Mjøndalen won the overall sprint World Cup last winter: - He's a typical sprinter who focuses on the freestyle technique. As for the upcoming season, Iversen wants to do well at the World Championships and in the World Cup. His sixth place in Salt Lake City was only a foretaste of what is to come.

Håvard Bjerkeli (25) from Isfjorden broke a pole in the quarter-final in Salt Lake City and had his chances ruined, after having recorded the fasted qualifying time in the prologue.: - Bjerkeli has a good command of both techniques, and he's strong even at traditional distances.

Jens Arne Svartedal (26) won all three sprint World Cup races in the classical style last season: - He's the most typical sprinter of them all, and has great speed as his prime quality. Although a classical specialist today, Svartedal is very keen on improving his freestyle technique.

Morten Brørs (26) won the overall sprint World Cup in 1999. He's not on the national team anymore, but trains very hard and has ambitions of gaining selection for the World Championships. Brørs has been picked for the opening competitions in Düsseldorf.

Tor Arne Hetland (28) has an impressive record in the sprint event. He won the first World Cup competition, the first World Champs title, the first Olympic title, as well as the first national title. In addition to these exploits, Hetland has finished second in the 50 km in Holmenkollen. He likes the idea of competing in the 50 km in Val di Fiemme.

Espen Bjervig (30) is intent on returning to the form he was in a few years ago.: - Espen was only seconds from qualifying for the Olympics in Salt Lake City. He has suffered several set-backs, but is back again and capable of producing some really good results.

Odd-Bjørn Hjelmeset (30) had a disappointing season last year, although he captured a bronze medal in Salt Lake City.: - He looks poised for a much better season now that his stomach problems have been solved. Hjelmeset is still a classical specialist.

Anders Aukland (30) won three World Cup races last season.: - He is ready to take another step foreward. Last year's valuable experiences has made Anders stronger mentally.

Kristen Skjeldal (35) completed his best season ever last year, highlighted by several national titles and strong World Cup results.: - He started with basic training as soon as the previous season ended, and he's very inspired by his achievements. Skjeldal is not letting his age bother him.

Frode Estil (30) has individual silver medals from the two most recent international championships, plus relay golds from the same championships.: - This is an exciting man who's up for his first gold medal. Estil works hard to improve his skating technique further.

Thomas Alsgaard (30) has won gold medals in three consecutive Olympic Games, as well as 13 World Cup victories.: - His fractured hand is probably recovered, and the only thing he needs now is time. When Thomas is in shape, he's able to win any event or discipline. His best event in Val di Fiemme, however, will probably be the pursuit. In this particular event, Alsgaard is allowed to demonstrate his skills in both techniques.

Norway has also a couple world class cross-country skiers in the women's section.:

Bente Skari (30) has more World Cup triumphs than any other Norwegian skier on the "Team of Winners". Her record counts 28 World Cup victories, three World Championship titles, and one individual gold and one bronze medal in the Olympics. Bente wants to add another overall World Cup title to the three she has already. Her main goal this season is to win the two individual classical races in Val di Fiemme.

Anita Moen (35) has two World Cup victories in the sprint event, in addition to her triumph in last season's Birkebeinerrenn over 54 km. The untiring mum is ready for another season. Will it be crowned with a World Championships gold medal?

Several other names may be added to this list, such as Vibeke Skofterud and Tore Ruud Hofstad, who have already been on the podium in World Cup competitions. The "Team of winners" must make room for new members as the new season gets going.