Whether racing long-distance double poling events or competing in World Cup races in classic or skating techniques, Astrid Øyre Slind is unstoppable. At nearly 37 years old, she’s proving to be an exceptional all-rounder, recently reaching the pinnacle of her career by winning her first-ever World Cup race.

Defying Expectations

We’ve seen many cross-country skiers transition from the World Cup to long-distance races, often due to declining speed and explosiveness. However, Astrid Øyre Slind has reversed that trend, transforming her peak performance from the Ski Classics circuit into podium finishes in the World Cup—at nearly 37 years old!

For fans of long-distance skiing, Slind’s success is particularly gratifying. It challenges the stereotype that marathon skiers are second-tier athletes, only skilled at “leaning forward” and incapable of competing at the World Cup level.

Astrid has matured into a versatile skier, mastering double poling, classic, and skating techniques. Whether it’s a mass start or an interval race, her skillset makes her a formidable competitor.

A Journey 16 Years in the Making

Slind made her World Cup debut in March 2008 in Oslo, Norway. In subsequent seasons, her results hovered around 20th place or worse. Competing in the era of Marit Bjørgen and other dominant Norwegian skiers, these results weren’t enough to secure her spot in the national team.

Eight Seasons of Double Poling

In the 2015/16 season, Astrid transitioned fully to long-distance racing, completing eight seasons in the Ski Classics circuit. She amassed numerous podium finishes and earned her place in the Ski Classics Hall of Fame. In the 2021/22 season, she claimed victory in the legendary Vasaloppet and frequently dominated challenging Scandinavian courses, excelling in both classic and double poling techniques.

Despite her achievements, Slind faced setbacks, including illnesses that prevented her from becoming the overall Ski Classics champion. One of the few races she didn’t win was the relatively flat Marcialonga in Italy.

Back in the Spotlight

With Norwegian legends like Bjørgen and Johaug retiring, Astrid rejoined the national team, seizing the opportunity presented by less competition. In the 2022/23 season, she finished 7th overall in the Tour de Ski and achieved two World Cup podiums: a bronze in the 20 km classic in France and a silver in the 50 km freestyle at Holmenkollen.

She continued her momentum in the following winter, earning a bronze in the skiathlon and gold in the relay at her first-ever World Championships in Planica. These performances solidify her candidacy for the 2025 World Championships in Trondheim—and perhaps even her first Olympic appearance at 38 years old.

Read more: Norwegian national team for Tour de Ski 2024/2025

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Team Support and Flexibility

Astrid enjoys tremendous support from her Aker Dæhlie team, which bridges disciplines and nationalities. They allow her the freedom to choose between Ski Classics and World Cup competitions. The team even sent a private plane for her after a World Cup race in Southern Europe so she could compete in the Vasaloppet the next day.

A Historic Victory

Yesterday, two months shy of her 37th birthday and over 16 years after her World Cup debut, Astrid Øyre Slind claimed her first World Cup victory in Davos, Switzerland.

The 20 km classic pursuit was anything but easy. Slind had to navigate high-altitude racing on a grueling course featuring a new, exhausting climb. To win, she overcame two of the strongest classic specialists in cross-country skiing: 36-year-old Therese Johaug and Kerttu Niskanen.

Although several distance stars like Ebba Andersson, Frida Karlsson, and Heidi Weng were absent, victory seemed unlikely after the first of three laps. Slind was fourth at the intermediate time check, trailing Johaug, Carl, and Niskanen.

Individual-start races are all about pacing, and Slind timed her effort perfectly. She closed the gap lap by lap, overtaking her rivals in the final kilometers. Johaug, the last skier to start, couldn’t match Slind’s endurance and finished third, 13.1 seconds behind her Norwegian compatriot.

Speechless at the Finish

“I can’t believe it,” said Slind at the finish. “I never thought this would happen, especially not while Therese was still racing.

Astrid now sits in fifth place in the overall World Cup standings, with Jessie Diggins leading the race for the Crystal Globe.

“I thought I was fighting for second place the whole time, and then I realized I could actually win. I don’t know what to say.”

See FIS for the full overall World Cup standings