Lotta Udnes Weng and Harald Østberg Amundsen emerged as the pursuit roller ski race winners during the Holmenkollen Ski Show held this Saturday. 

The women’s race witnessed a captivating 9km pursuit roller ski event, where cross-country skiers showcased their skills on the sun-drenched Holmenkollen course. Leading the field from the start were Tiril Udnes Weng, Lotta Udnes Weng, and Helene Marie Fossesholm. These skiers managed to maintain their advantage throughout the entire race, setting a relentless pace.

Although Fossesholm attempted to break away from the pack after six kilometers, her efforts proved fruitless. The Weng sisters displayed remarkable teamwork, sticking with the 21-year-old Fossesholm until the final lap. However, Lotta Udnes Weng found an extra burst of speed just a few hundred meters before the finish line, crossing it first.

“It’s nice to win,” Lotta Udnes Weng expressed in an interview with NRK following her victory.

For Helene Marie Fossesholm, who faced challenges during the previous winter season, this race marked a turning point and renewed motivation for the upcoming competitions.

“I feel that the old Helene is on her way back,” Fossesholm joyfully conveyed to NRK.

Top 3 Women – Pursuit Race – 9km

1. Lotta Udnes Weng, 20:07.8
2. Helene Marie Fossesholm, +0:03.1
3. Tiril Udnes Weng, +0:06.8

Earlier in the day, Tiril Udnes Weng won the prologue race and was the first woman out of the pursuit start.

Top 3 Women – Prologue – 3km

1. Tiril Udnes Weng, 6:32.9
2. Lotta Udnes Weng, +0:04.2
3. Helene Marie Fossesholm, +0:04.2

In the men’s race, Harald Østberg Amundsen led the charge as the first skier to start on the pursuit race, closely followed by Daniel Stock, who set off just five seconds later. Stock quickly closed the gap between them, and the duo traversed the course together, maintaining a 20-second lead over the chasing group.

Ultimately, Østberg Amundsen showcased his sprinting abilities, narrowly edging past Stock in a thrilling battle that unfolded until the very last moment. In their wake, seven skiers pursued the leading duo, with David Thorvik and Martin Løwstrøm Nyenget asserting their presence at the front. The final place on the podium was determined by a photo finish, with Thorvik emerging a few centimeters ahead, securing third place in the pursuit race.

The winner does not hide that it was a tough competition:

“It hasn’t been so tough since the World Championships,” Østberg Amundsen says to NRK, adding: “Now I’m getting started. This was a starting point.”

Top 3 Men – Pursuit Race – 9km

1. Harald Østberg Amundsen, 18:09.9
2. Daniel Stock, +0.2
3. David Thorvik, +23.7

Harald Østberg Amundsen set the fastest time in the prologue race, followed closely by Daniel Stock and Håvard Moseby, trailing by a mere one second.

Top 3 Men – Prologue – 3km

1. Harald Østberg Amundsen, 5:50.1
2. Daniel Stock, +0:01.0
3. Håvard Moseby, +0:01.3

FACTS Holmenkollen Ski Show 2023

• Who: Men and women junior and senior, as well as younger ages 
• What: Roller skiing competitions, as well as an activity day for younger athletes
• Where: Holmenkollen, Norway
• When: Saturday, June 10
• Organizer:  Holmenkollen Ski Festival, which is owned 50/50 by the Norwegian Ski Association and the Norwegian Biathlon Association

Program

• 17:45: 3km prologue cross-country, women senior/elite
• 17:50: 3km prologue cross-country, men senior/elite
• 18:45: Biathlon, single mixed relay senior/elite
• 19:55: 9km pursuit start cross-country, women senior/elite
• 20:25: 9km pursuit start cross-country, men senior/elite

More information and a detailed program for other activities are on the organizer’s website.

Are you interested in traditional cross-country skiing? Click here and read more.