The first day of the Blinkfestivalen in Norway saw Johan Hoel, Team Ragde Charge, and Astrid Øyre Slind, Team Aker Dæhlie, winning the challenging double poling uphill race. 

Blinkfestivalen day one is marked by a short but challenging uphill rollerski race, Lysebotn Opp. The participating skiers had the option to start the 7.5km climb either in skating or double poling technique in two different events.

The double poling competition naturally had many Ski Classics athletes. In the men’s race, Johan Hoel, Team Ragde Charge, was the strongest skier, beating Herman Paus, Team Ramudden, in a sprint to the finish line in a total time of 32:13. 

Andrew Musgrave, Team Næringsbanken, who has won the previous two editions of the double poling race, and was one of the top favorites, finished third, 0:20 behind the winner. 

In the women’s race, Astrid Øyre Slind, Team Aker Dæhlie, was stronger and won the race in a total time of 37:19. Emilie Fleten, Team XPND Fuel, finished in second place, 2:39 behind the winner, and Anikken Gjerde Alnæs, Team Ragde Charge, completed the podium in third place, 3:29 back.

It seems that Øyre Slind is in great shape, and this win indicates that she is determined to go for the Yellow Bib when Season XIV starts.

Top 3 Lysebotn Opp Double Poling, Men

1.  Johan Hoel, Team Ragde Charge, 32:13
2.  Herman Paus, Team Ramudden, +0:01
3.  Andrew Musgrave, Team Næringsbanken, +0:20

Top 3 Lysebotn Opp Double Poling, Women

1.  Astrid Øyre Slind, Team Aker Dæhlie, 37:19
2.  Emilie Fleten, Team XPDN Fuel, +2:39
3.  Anikken Gjerde Alnæs, Team Ragde Charge, +3:29

Complete results can be found here.