Max Novak, Team Ramudden, is suspended one month from competing by the Swedish Ski Association. The background is that he bet money on a race he participated in, which is not allowed.
In the Swedish season premiere in Bruksvallarna on November 20th, Max Novak bet on William Poromaa as the winner. Novak himself won the race 7 seconds ahead of Poromaa. After the race, he said in an interview that he had bet money on Poromaa as the winner and that he was not included as a betting alternative.
The case ended up at the Swedish Ski Association as it is not allowed to bet in competitions where you participate yourself. On Wednesday evening, a decision came from the Association that Novak will be suspended for a month, December 9th to January 9th. During the suspension, he may not compete or participate in organized club activities.
"I have made a mistake and have received a reasonable judgment. However, it was not conscious. I experienced that it is common among skiers to bet on races you attend yourself. Now I know that it is not allowed and it is good that the issue has been raised," says Novak
Since the suspension ends on January 9th, the penalty does not affect Novak's Visma Ski Classics participation as season XI starts with the Pro Team Tempo in the Engadin valley, Switzerland, on January 14th.
How have you been affected by this case, Max?
"Of course, I was a little worried before I knew what the judgment would be. But I'm also good at not being influenced by whatever I can not control. I have also received good support from Gustaf Korsgren (Team Ramuddens Pro Team Director)."
Novak, who won the Youth competition during season X and was one of the Pro Tour's exclamation marks, is now looking forward to season XI.
"The victory in Bruksvallarna was a good indication that I developed further. Now I have entered a training period with a lot of training until the new year," says Novak.
Team Ramuddens Pro Team Director Gustaf Korsgren comments like this on the judgment Novak received:
"Max has made a mistake and should have a penalty. I also think the judgment is at a reasonable level. Not betting in sports where you participate yourself is a basic rule in sports which is fundamental."
