Norwegian ski-marathoner Anders Aukland skied to a 3 second victory over Oskar Svard in the 27km classic Vålådalsloppet in Sweden.
“A fun conclusion to the season and fun to ski in a race against many of my idols from when I was young,” siad Aukland.
Spring conditions welcomed the field, which included the great Thomas Wassberg, and former World Caup star Per Eloffesen. “I thought the climb up to the mountain top was never going to end,” said Eloffesen, who finished three places and 1:21 in front of Wassberg. Wassberg, now 53, won two Olympic gold medals, and is renowned for his toughness.
Mathias Fredriksson finished 3rd, and Olympic medallist and World Champion Sture Sivertsen (NOR) was 12th.
Kari Henneseid Eie won the women’s race, 30 seconds ahead of Therese Svensson.
