Some faced challenges getting to the starting line on time, because of more technical trouble at state railway NSB, but around 12,000 skiers took part over the weekend in the last major race of the season, Skarverennet, that traditionally marks the end of the skiing season. It begins in the high country at Finse and finishes 37 kilometers later at Ustaoset.
The women’s race was won, not surprisingly, by cross country champion Marit Bjørgen, who skied the distance in one hour, 32 minutes and 19.8 seconds. Her national teammate Therese Johaug finished third with a time of 1:33,47.1, beaten by Tuva Toftdal Staver of the Oslo-based Heming ski club at 1:33.27.4.
The men’s race was won by Martin Johnsrud Sundby, with a time of one hour, 20 minutes and 43.3. seconds, followed by Benoit Chauvet of France (1:20,49) and Sjur Røthe of Voss (1:20.53.7).
Organizers reported sharp conditions on the trails after some mild temperatures, fresh and wet snow and sub-freezing temperatures at night. Racers had a breeze at their backs and otherwise good weather as they skied over the mountains under the distinctive peak called Hallingskarvet. Next year’s Skarverennet is set for April 26 because of a late Easter holiday.
newsinenglish.no staff
