The former national team skier claims his first podium finish in a professional race, just days after seizing Norway’s prestigious Strava KOM from Tour de France pros.

Iver Tildheim Andersen was dropped from the Norwegian national cross-country skiing team in April despite recently winning a gold medal at the Norwegian Championships in the 50km event. He then decided to focus more on cycling. 

Three months later, the 25-year-old from Rustad signed a professional contract with the Norwegian continental team Team Ringerike. Now, just weeks later, he has climbed onto the podium in a professional race. 

This week, Tildheim Andersen finished third in the third stage of the Tour of South Bohemia in the Czech Republic, and he placed tenth overall in the race. This achievement comes just days after the skier captured Norway’s most prestigious Strava KOM from Tour de France professionals: the segment from Gressbanen to Tryvann in Oslo. 

Also Read: Norwegian cross-country skiing teams for season 2026/2027

One of several skiers

Tildheim Andersen is not the only skier who has made a strong impact as a professional cyclist this season. 

Biathlon star Emilien Jacquelin has also fully committed to cycling this summer. After winning both gold and bronze at the Olympics in Milano-Cortina during his best season, the French Olympic star has now decided to skip the entire 2026/2027 World Cup season to focus on cycling. 

Read More – It’s official: Olympic champion Jacquelin skips the biathlon season for cycling

However, unlike Jacquelin, Tildheim Andersen plans to make a comeback in skiing this season. 

Aiming for the World Championship 50km in Falun

The plan is for his cycling and cross-country skiing pursuits to complement each other, with the World Championships in Falun as the overarching goal. After winning gold in the NM 50km in March, the World Championships in Falun is now the major target for the season, where the 50km will be held in freestyle format. 

He is not worried that his cycling ambitions will detract from his skiing goals.

“Roller skiing is important exercise, but I am motivated by cycling. I am sure that it provides training that will yield great benefits when winter comes,” said Iver Tildheim Andersen when he presented his private investment plan with the club Rustad IL behind him. 

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