Last year, they tackled the monster climb twice – on the same day. It went just as badly as it sounds. Now they’re back for Lysebotn Opp.

Wednesday marks the start of this year’s edition of Lysebotn Opp, the opening event in the four-day summer ski festival Blink. And despite last year’s experience, both Torleif Syrstad and Alvar Myhlback are back at the start line.

Last year, the two former teammates attempted a crazy double in Lysebotn: first, they did the double poling event in the brutal uphill race. Then, they went straight back to the start line to race the freestyle event against the entire World Cup elite.

But neither Syrstad, who won the Vasaloppet in 2024, nor the Swedish turbo-junior who claimed victory in this year’s edition, will be going for another double stunt in Lysebotn this time.

“No, one round is enough this year,” Syrstad tells Langrenn.com.

The result of the double stunt for the friendly rivals was a 10th place for Syrstad and 14th for Myhlback in the double poling race – a new personal best for both. In the skating race afterward, they placed 39th and 45th, respectively.

Also Read: Blink Festival starts today – Who will win at Lysebotn Opp?

How did it feel to go for another round right after double poling at max effort?

“It was awful. At the start, I had real ‘sausage legs’. You barely have time to finish, change quickly, and then you’ve been sitting in a car until you’re back at the start line. It wasn’t a good way to prepare for the next round,” says Syrstad, and continues:

“I sank like an anchor when the race started. It was not a great experience.”

Read More – Blink Festival 2025: Complete calendar

Loves the double concept

Still, Syrstad doesn’t rule out trying a double stunt again – but only if the competition schedule is changed.

“The problem isn’t going up twice. The race is a great training session. It’s a long day with travel and logistics, so getting in two good sessions would actually be a benefit,” he says enthusiastically.

But then there’s a 50km race the very next day?

“That’s a factor, of course. It’s definitely not an advantage to race twice the day before, especially when many of your competitors only do one race. Some even skip Lysebotn entirely to rest up for the long-distance race,” says Syrstad.

Lysebotn means a lot

Even though the main goal for both Syrstad and Myhlback is Vasaloppet – a 90km race on relatively flat terrain – Lysebotn Opp is still one of the most important roller ski races in the season build-up. According to Syrstad, the 7.5km lactic acid battle is one of the most relevant competitions.

“Lysebotn Opp is actually one of the races most similar to what we do in the winter. It’s all double poling from start to finish. In other roller ski races, kick techniques often become a factor, and if you’re good at that, it’s a big advantage. But we don’t do that in the winter,” he explains.

What are your ambitions for this year’s Lysebotn Opp?

“I wish we had the same conditions as last year so that I could compare times. It’s going to be wet and quite windy, so there likely won’t be any course records,” says Torleif Syrstad.

“I finished 10th and got my best result last year, so I’m aiming to do better this year. I hope to stay with the front group. And if I have a perfect day, I might even reach the podium.”

The 7.5km Lysebotn Opp 2025 will take place on Wednesday, August 6.

• Women’s freestyle at 11:45 CET
• Double poling women and men at 13:30 CET
• Men’s freestyle at 15:00 CET

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