Source: Langrenn.com
Norwegian 50-Kilometer Championship: Skjeldal Beat The Medal Winners From Oberstdorf
FasterSkier · April 7, 2005
 is pulling #141 Odd-Bjœrn Hjelmeset (silver), #140 Jens Arne Svartedal (bronze), Tore Bjonviken (8.place) # 138 Espen Harald Bjerke (4.place). Photo: Erland Lundby</font></center><BR><br />
Kristen Skjeldal wasn’t able to beat his teammates in the 50-kilometer classic mass-start in the snowstorm at Worlds, but got revenge at crushed them in the 50-kilometer classic individual start race at the Norwegian championship on Sunday.</p><p>Krister Skjeldal won his fifth 50-kilometer Norwegian championship gold in wet, heavy conditions at Lillehammer on Sunday. It was his tenth individual Nationals gold.</p><p>– This is cross country skiing. 50-kilometer is for me the most exciting race, smiles gold medal winner Skjeldal after winning his fifth ever Norwegian championship on that distance.</p></div><div class=)
Odd-Bjorn Hjelmeset was in the lead after the first out of three laps, but Skjeldal skied 45-seconds faster than Hjelmeset during 10-kilometer on the second lap and was then skiing with Hjemeset that had started 30 seconds in front of him.
Skjeldal and Hjelmeset skied together all the way to the finish and sprinted side-by-side down the finish stretch. Odd-Bjorn won the sprint, but Skjeldal could raise his hands and celebrate the gold.
Skjeldal has decided to continue racing for one more season.
– Next year will be my last as an elite skier, but I will probably continue to show up and race at nationals after that, says Skjeldal
Complete results at: http://www.langrenn.com/cparticle236947-1743.html
