She retired in April, and had one clear plan for her future: to get married.

When the Ski Classics Legend announced her retirement after the season’s final race, she had just one concrete plan for the future: to get married. 

And she has now done just that. On Saturday, June 20, Anikken Gjerde Alnæs and former professional cyclist Carl Fredrik Hagen tied the knot at Vangen Skistue in the heart of Østmarka, Norway. 

The couple shares glimpses from their wedding on their Instagram account.

Finally husband and wife

The two have been engaged since April 2025, after nearly eight years of living together. Now they are happily married. 

Gjerde Alnæs has dedicated her life to cross-country skiing. She has been in the top 10 of the World Cup but found her true calling in long-distance races. The 31-year-old won the overall Ski Classics title and the Green Sprint bib both last winter and the winter before, a season she never dared hope to compete in. Last winter, she shocked everyone by announcing her retirement live during the Vasaloppet. 

Also Read: Norwegian Pro Team star announces retirement live 

Hagen has been a professional cyclist for many years, racing for several teams before retiring in November 2024, most recently with the Swiss team Q36.5. 

The 34-year-old made Norwegian cycling history when he finished eighth in the Vuelta a España in 2019. This was the best placement by a Norwegian in a Grand Tour until last year when Tobias Halland Johannessen finished sixth in the Tour de France. 

One of many

Alnæs is not the only ski star who retired this spring and has now gotten married. In May, Ane Appelkvist Stenseth also tied the knot. 

Are you interested in Ski Classics and long-distance skiing? Click HERE and read more about it.