FasterSkier reporter Aleks Tangen was in Beitostølen to report. As a new feature we are posting interviews from the mixed zone in the report below.
The opening Norwegian national races began in Beitostølen, Norway today with a 1.2-kilometer women’s classic sprint and a 1.7 k classic sprint for the men. Beyond featuring a loaded field of seasoned and up-and-coming Norwegian skiers, the U.S. Ski Team is using these races as a tune up for next week’s Ruka, Finland World Cups.
Sophie Caldwell and Julia Kern entered the women’s senior race. Caldwell placed third overall (+2.37) after qualifying in third. Norway’s Ane Appelkvist Stenseth won in 2:52.63 with teammate Maiken Caspersen Falla second (+1.20).
(Sophie Caldwell’s mixed zone interview with Fasterskier)
Kern qualified in ninth and was eliminated in the second heat where she placed fourth. No other U.S. Ski Team women raced.
Women’s Qualifier | Women’s Results
Simi Hamilton and Erik Bjornsen qualified 17th and 23rd respectively in the men’s qualifier. Hamilton was eliminated in the second heat, Bjornsen in the fifth. Both placed sixth in their heats.
Norway’s Eric Valnes won the overall in 3:34.76.
(Simi Hamilton’s mixed zone interview with Fasterskier)
(Erik Bjornsen’s mixed zone interview with Fasterskier)
Men’s Qualifier | Men’s Results
Click images to enlarge.
Aleks Tangen
Aleks is a freelance journalist based in Gjøvik, Norway, covering ski-related sports and track & field. He also works part time as a model and reads a new book almost every week.
