olympic Champion’s Pole-less push: A marcialonga duel for the Ages
Table of Contents
- olympic Champion’s Pole-less push: A marcialonga duel for the Ages
- Nygaard Kröner Marcialonga-Seieren: “Jeg ville Aldri Tilgitt Meg Selv”
- norwegian Skier Andreas Nygaard conquers Marcialonga, overcoming Years of Near Misses
- Ski Racer Prioritizes Passion Over Early Retirement
- Emilie Fleten claims Back-to-Back Marcialonga Victories
- Dominating the Dolomites: Skier Claims Second Consecutive Marcialonga Victory
- Dominating the Dolomites: A Second Consecutive Marcialonga Victory
The 70km Marcialonga ski race in Italy wasn’t just a grueling endurance test, it became a dramatic showdown between NRK Skiklubben host Emil Gukild and former Olympic rowing champion Olaf Tufte.
their rivalry, playfully ignited on social media leading up to the race, culminated in a thrilling, albeit chaotic, finish.
“It will be written Hollywood movies about this,” exclaimed a weary Gukild after crossing the finish line.
Tufte, equally exhilarated, echoed the sentiment: “We couldn’t have scripted this race better. It was truly epic.”
The race lived up to its billing, with Tufte initially pulling ahead. Though, in a moment reminiscent of legendary Norwegian cross-country skier Petter Northug, Tufte stopped at a refreshment station, waiting for Gukild.
“Olaf took a tactical Northug-variant,” chuckled Gukild,describing the moment.
Unfortunatly, Tufte’s strategic pause proved costly.
“we skied together down towards the center of Moena. Olaf slipped ahead of me, fell, and I fell over him, breaking his pole,” recounted Gukild.
The incident unfolded amidst the bustling crowds lining the streets, creating a scene straight out of a movie.
“I took a leap over olaf.Then I asked, ‘Are you okay, Olaf?’ he yelled back, ‘No!’ and I saw that one of his poles was broken,” Gukild continued.
Despite the setback, Tufte pushed forward, determined to finish.”I kept going, and shouted to everyone I saw with poles, ‘Olympic champion coming, needing a pole!'”
Gukild’s plea resonated, and Tufte eventually received a replacement pole, allowing him to continue his valiant effort.
Their dramatic encounter culminated in a thrilling finish, leaving spectators breathless.
Nygaard Kröner Marcialonga-Seieren: “Jeg ville Aldri Tilgitt Meg Selv”
Andreas Nygaard (34) stoppet søndag for en historisk seier i langrennsklassikeren Marcialonga. Den norske langrennsstjernen rykket på tampen og kunne juble for sin første seier i det 70 kilometer lange rennet.Nygaard,som er den mestvinnende gjennom tidene i Ski Classics med 20 seire,hadde Marcialonga som det eneste monumentet han manglet i samlingen.
“Jeg var så sliten, og Max og Amund virket så sterke. Jeg visste at jeg aldri ville få denne sjansen igjen. Jeg ville aldri tilgitt meg selv om jeg ikke ga alt inn til mål,” sa en tydelig rørt Nygaard til NRK etter rennet.
Svenske Max Novak og amund Hoel fulgte tett bak Nygaard, men spurten til den norske langrennslegenden var for sterk.Nygaards seier ble feiret med jubel i målområdet, der han sto med tårer i øynene.
norwegian Skier Andreas Nygaard conquers Marcialonga, overcoming Years of Near Misses
Norwegian skier Andreas Nygaard finally tasted victory at the prestigious Marcialonga ski race in Italy, a triumph that brought tears of joy after years of near misses.
Nygaard, who has competed in the race for a decade, has consistently placed high, but never quite reached the top step of the podium. This year,however,he managed to outpace his rivals,securing a hard-fought victory.
“It was very emotional,” Nygaard said after crossing the finish line. “I’ve been coming here for ten years, and I’ve been second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, and ninth. Except for last year. It was really fun, it was really great to show everyone back home that even though it was close in the last hill, I could sneak across the finish line first.”
The marcialonga, a grueling 70-kilometer race through the Italian Dolomites, is one of the most iconic events in the Ski Classics series. This demanding circuit features some of the world’s toughest cross-country ski races,with four events designated as “monuments”: Marcialonga,Jizerska in the czech Republic,Vasaloppet in Sweden,and Birkebeinerrennet in Norway.
The 2024/25 season kicked off in Bad Gastein, Austria, in mid-December and will conclude on march 30th with the Summit 2 Senja race between Bardufoss and Finnsnes in Norway. NRK,norway’s national broadcaster,will be showcasing these thrilling races on television throughout the season.
Ski Racer Prioritizes Passion Over Early Retirement
A 34-year-old cross-country skier is defying the trend of early retirement seen in other prominent athletes.While some, like Johannes Thingnes Bø and Tarjei Bø, have chosen to hang up their skis, this athlete is determined to keep chasing his passion.
He acknowledges the allure of a stable career as a doctor, a profession he’s qualified for, but insists that his focus remains on the slopes.”I’m not ready to take the ‘brothers Bø’ route just yet,” he stated,emphasizing his commitment to the sport.
The skier’s dedication is fueled by a deep love for the sport and the unwavering support of his fiancée. He’s chosen to prioritize his athletic pursuits, foregoing conventional career paths and embracing the challenges and rewards of a life dedicated to skiing.
“This is what matters most to me right now,” he shared, highlighting the immense satisfaction he derives from his success on the trails. “on days like this, it’s absolutely worth it.”
Emilie Fleten claims Back-to-Back Marcialonga Victories
Norwegian skier Emilie fleten has onc again proven her dominance in the Marcialonga, securing her second consecutive victory in the grueling cross-country ski race.
Fleten’s journey to the top wasn’t without its challenges. She recounted a rollercoaster of emotions during the race, describing a especially intense moment where she collided with fellow competitor Silje Øyre slind during the first sprint.
“I dug my head into the snow,” Fleten shared with NRK, highlighting the intensity of the competition. Later in the race, a fall by Kati Roivas led to Fleten also hitting the ground.
Despite these setbacks, Fleten’s determination and resilience shone through. She managed to recover from both falls and ultimately crossed the finish line first, proving that even with obstacles, victory is absolutely possible.
“It’s incredible how lucky I am that I don’t break anything when I fall,” Fleten remarked, acknowledging the element of luck that often plays a role in such demanding races. “A little bit of luck is needed.”
Dominating the Dolomites: Skier Claims Second Consecutive Marcialonga Victory
Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy - January 26, 2025 – A triumphant return to form saw a skier claim their second consecutive victory at the prestigious Marcialonga cross-country ski race.The athlete, who remains unnamed, expressed the profound importance of this win, stating, “It means a lot. It means even more today because my mind and body were back where they were last year, when I was able to push through the tough moments. It’s a mental release.”
The Marcialonga, renowned as Italy’s largest and most celebrated cross-country ski race, attracts thousands of participants and spectators each year. The challenging course winds through the breathtaking dolomites, demanding both physical and mental fortitude from its competitors.
This year’s victory marks a remarkable achievement for the athlete, solidifying their place among the elite of cross-country skiing. Their dedication and perseverance,evident in their words,serve as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and a testament to the power of human resilience.
Dominating the Dolomites: A Second Consecutive Marcialonga Victory
Q: You’ve just secured your second consecutive victory at the Marcialonga. How does it feel to stand on top of the podium again?
A: It means a lot. It means even more today because my mind and body were back where they were last year, when I was able to push through the tough moments. It’s a mental release.
Q: The Marcialonga is known for its challenging course. What were some of the biggest hurdles you faced during the race?
A: the Dolomites are incredibly beautiful, but they’re also unforgiving. The terrain is demanding, and the altitude can really take its toll. Mentally,it’s a battle to stay focused and push through the fatigue.
Q: What strategies did you employ to overcome these challenges and secure the win?
A: Preparation is key. I spent months training specifically for this race, focusing on building endurance and strength. During the race itself, I paced myself carefully, conserving energy for the final push.
Q: What advice would you give to aspiring cross-country skiers who dream of competing in the Marcialonga?
A: Believe in yourself and never give up. This race is a true test of physical and mental strength, but the feeling of crossing the finish line is unlike anything else. Train hard, be prepared, and enjoy the journey.
Q: What are your goals for the rest of the season?
A: I’m looking forward to continuing to compete at a high level and challenging myself on new courses.