The first day of the Blinkfestivalen in Norway saw American Sophia Laukli and Norwegian Simen Hegstad Krüger winning the challenging uphill race in freestyle technique. 

Blinkfestivalen day one was 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 freestyle competition had many World Cup skiers at the start. In the women’s competition, Sophia Laukli (USA) won the race in a total time of 35:16. Delphine Claudel (FRA) finished in second place, 0:13 behind the winner, and Heidi Weng (NOR) completed the podium in third place, 0:50 back. 

In the men’s race, Simen Hegstad Krüger (NOR) won the race in a total time of 28:55. Hans Christer Holund (NOR) finished in second place, 0:17 behind the winner, and Ireneu Esteve Altimiras (AND) completed the podium in third place, 0:30 back.

Top 3 Lysebotn Opp, Women

1. Sophia Laukli (USA), 35:16
2. Delphine Claudel (FRA), +0:13
3. Heidi Weng (NOR), +0:50

Top 3 Lysebotn Opp, Men

1. Simen Hegstad Krüger (NOR), 28:55
2. Hans Christer Holund (NOR), +0:17
3. Ireneu Esteve Altimiras (AND), +0:30

Complete results can be found here.