The first day of the Blink Festival in Norway saw a solid showing from Astrid Øyre Slind and Andrew Musgrave, who took convincing victories in the classic (double poling) uphill event at Lysebotn Opp. 

The 7.5km uphill roller ski race is a signature event on opening day at Blink Festival, where skiers can choose between skating (freestyle) and classic (double poling) disciplines, each contested as a separate competition.

The double poling event featured a strong field of Ski Classics Pro Team athletes and World Cup skiers, and the competition did not disappoint.

Women’s Competition

In the women’s race, Astrid Øyre Slind claimed the top spot with a dominant effort.

Hedda Bångman, Team Burger King Northug, took second, while Hanna Lodin, Team Engcon, completed the podium in third.

Top 3 Lysebotn Opp Classic (Double Poling), Women

1. Astrid Øyre Slind, 38:43
2. Hedda Bångman, Team Burger King Northug, +1:41.0
3. Hanna Lodin, Team Engcon, +1:59.0

Complete results can be found HERE

Men’s Competition

In the men’s race, Andrew Musgrave, Team Aker Dæhlie, delivered a powerful performance to secure the win.

Gaute Kvåle, Team Aker Dæhlie, finished second, with Max Novak, Team Aker Dæhlie, rounding out the podium in third.

Top 3 Lysebotn Opp Classic (Double Poling), Men

1. Andrew Musgrave, Team Aker Dæhlie, 32:38
2. Gaute Kvåle, Team Aker Dæhlie, +18.0
3. Max Novak, Team Aker Dæhlie, +23.0

Complete results can be found HERE

*The story is being updated

Also Read – All you need to know ahead of the Blink Festival 2026

COMPETITION SCHEDULE BLINK 2026

Wednesday, August 5: Lysebotn Opp, Lysebotn

• 11:45 CEST: 7.5km freestyle, women
• 13:30 CEST: 7.5km classic (double poling), women and men
• 15:00 CEST: 7.5km freestyle, men

Thursday, August 6: Blink Classics, Ålgård

• 18:45CEST: Start, 50km classic mass start, women and men

Friday, August 7: Sandnes

• 15:30 CEST: Cross-country skiing prologue, women and men
• 15:55 CEST: Biathlon, shooting duel, women and men
• 17:10 CEST: Biathlon supersprint qualifiers, women and men
• 18:25 CEST: Cross-country skiing mass start 10km freestyle, women
• 18:55 CEST: Cross-country skiing mass start 15km freestyle, men
• 19:35 CEST: Biathlon supersprint finals, women and men

Saturday, August 8: Sandnes

• 15:30 CEST: Cross-country skiing sprint freestyle prologue, women and men
• 16:05 CEST: Biathlon mass start quarter-finals, women and men
• 17:44 CEST: Sprint freestyle quarter-finals and semi-finals, women and men
• 19:22 CEST: Biathlon mass start semi-finals, women and men
• 20:10 CEST: Sprint freestyle finals, women and men
• 20:25 CEST: Biathlon mass start finals, women and men

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