Having won or podiumed in every race this winter except one, the shocking news comes amid what is shaping up to be her best season yet.

The Norwegian skiing star drops the shocking announcement live after her podium finish at Vasaloppet on Sunday: she will retire in March. 

“This will be my last season,” confirms Anikken Gjerde Alnæs to Langrenn.com.

The 31-year-old from Rustad IL reveals that she made the decision even before the season opener in December.  

“It feels both good and bittersweet, but it feels right,” says Alnæs. 

The Norwegian cross-country profile has been a significant presence in Ski Classics for many years, initially as part of the professional team of the Aukland brothers. In the last two seasons, Alnæs has been with Ulvang’s professional team, Team Engcon, alongside the Swedish ski star Ebba Andersson. 

A lifelong commitment to skiing

Anikken Gjerde Alnæs participated in her first ski race before she turned one year old. She pursued World Cup spots and championships for over a decade before making her World Cup debut in December 2020, where she immediately finished in the top 10 on her first attempt – and then she bid farewell to traditional cross-country skiing. 

It is in long-distance races that she has truly found her niche. 

“I would have liked to have started long-distance skiing earlier if I had known what I know today, and it has been a fantastic journey,” says Alnæs, adding. 

“I hope more young skiers dare to look towards Ski Classics for development and new challenges.”

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Super talent

In her second season in Ski Classics, she finished second in the race for the green sprint jersey. In 2023, she won the sprint jersey and placed ninth overall in Ski Classics. In 2024, she again finished second in the sprint competition, despite having much of the season disrupted by illness. Last year, she won the overall season title against all odds after a roller ski accident that could have cost her life. 

This year, she has won or podiumed in every race she has entered this season except for Marcialonga, and she leads the overall Ski Classics standings with five races remaining. Thus, it is indeed the end for Anikken Gjerde Alnæs.

Impact of the roller ski accident 

Alnæs does not hide the fact that the serious roller ski accident is a contributing factor to her decision to retire after this season. 

She was hit during roller ski training in June 2024 and shattered her kneecap. Nevertheless, she managed to work her way back to the season opener in December, but the journey was incredibly tough, both physically and mentally. 

“It has taken a toll over the last two years, and I still have a lot of work ahead of me for my knee to recover so I can do everything I dream of,” says Alnæs. 

Also Read: Ski Classics Season XVII: Standings after Vasaloppet

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Only plan: To get married

What she will do next is still uncertain. 

“I have no specific plan for what I will do after I retire,” Anikken Gjerde Alnæs tells Langrenn.com. 

“But I will get married in July!”

Also Read: Alnæs and Hagen announce engagement