Erik Valnes fires a clear warning shot and beats the world elite in Muonio, one week before the Norwegian season opener at Beitostølen.

Erik Valnes traveled to Finland looking for answers. The 30-year-old has not raced since the Olympics in February. Then he strikes on day one in Muonio, with the second-fastest time in the prologue, against Olympic and World Championship stars.

“If you lose this one, you will have something to think about next week,” says commentator Kjell-Erik Kristiansen as Valnes moves up to the start line for the quarterfinal in Muonio.

But Valnes accelerates in the last part of the quarterfinal and wins the heat in relaxed Klæbo style. In the semifinal, he goes to the front from the start and cruises to victory there too. Then he wins the final, two tenths of a second ahead of last year’s winner Benjamin Moser. Former junior world champion Niilo Moilanen finishes third.

This is Valnes’ third sprint win in Muonio. He also won in 2023 and 2024. Last year he did not take part. 

Important form test

The race weekend in Finland means a lot to Valnes. He made that clear beforehand. He traveled to Muonio for a race run-through and confidence ahead of the season opener at Beitostølen next weekend. 

“Hopefully with good results,” Valnes told Langrenn.com ahead of the dress rehearsal in Muonio. 

As Nossum says: “It’s never a bad idea to go fast in a ski race.” 

On Saturday, Valnes is back at the start. Then 10 kilometers classic is on the program.

Olos/Muonio Race Weekend 2026 results 

Men’s Final, Classic Sprint

1. Erik Valnes, Norway, 2:53.88
2. Benjamin Moser, Austria, +0.19
3. Niilo Moilanen, Finland, +0.33
4. Elia Barp, Italy, +0.95
5. Lauri Vuorinen, Finland, +1.57
6. Joni Mäki, Finland, +2.56

Complete results can be found HERE

The classic sprint is the first event of the Olos/Muonio Race Weekend. The race weekend continues on Saturday with a 10-kilometer classic race and ends on Sunday with a 10-kilometer freestyle race. 

A total of 338 skiers from 17 nations are registered for the weekend’s races, including 34 Norwegians. It is also the first time since 2021 that Russian skiers are on the starting line in Muonio. 

Live on SC Play

All races are streamed live and available on demand on SC Play, which holds exclusive broadcasting rights in all countries except Finland. Kjell-Erik Kristiansen commentates on all broadcasts. SC Play is included in the Proxcskiing.com membership.

WATCH THE OLOS/MUONIO SKI RACE WEEKEND ON SC PLAY

Also Read: Finnish Ski Premiere Olos/Muonio Live on SC Play

Program and broadcast times (CET)

Friday 13 November: Sprint, classic (women and men)

• 08:45–10:00: Qualification
• 10:45–13:25: Heats and finals

More information can be found HERE

Saturday 14 November: 10km classic (women, men and U20)

• 08:45–12:30

More information can be found HERE

Sunday 15 November: 10km freestyle (women, men and U20)

• 08:45–13:00

More information can be found HERE

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