As the years go by, the Lysebotn Opp double-poling competition remains as grueling as ever, yet some athletes seem to thrive in this brutal climb. This year was no exception, with Astrid Øyre Slind and Andrew Musgrave once again claiming the top spots, solidifying their dominance in this brutal competition.
The Challenge of Lysebotn Opp double poling
Lysebotn Opp is a 7.5 km climb on roller skis where only the double-poling technique is permitted. The race features an average gradient of a brutal 10%. The hill, with its 27 serpentines, is also renowned for its scenic beauty and is a well-known landmark in Norway. This climb serves as the opening stage of the five-stage Mitsubishi Electric World Classic Tour, a long-distance championship that attracts the world best long-distance specialist teams and athletes.
Women’s Race: Astrid Øyre Slind’s Unbroken Streak
Astrid Øyre Slind of Team Aker Dæhlie once again proved why she is the undisputed queen of Lysebotn Opp. She claimed her fifth consecutive victory in this event, continuing her unbeaten streak since the race’s inception. Øyre Slind completed the climb in 37:02, narrowly edging out her compatriot Emilie Fleten of Team Ramudden by just nine seconds. Silje Øyre Slind, also from Team Aker Dæhlie and Astrid’s sister, rounded out the top three, finishing two minutes and eight seconds behind the winner.
Top 3 Women – Lysebotn Opp Double Poling – 7.5 km:
- Astrid Øyre Slind, Team Aker Dæhlie/Norway, 37:02
- Emilie Fleten, Team Ramudden/Norway, +0:09
- Silje Øyre Slind, Team Aker Dæhlie/Norway, +2:08
Full results women: here
Men’s Race: Andrew Musgrave’s Continued Dominance
In the men’s race, Andrew Musgrave from Great Britain, representing Team Aker Dæhlie, secured his fourth victory in this demanding event. Musgrave completed the climb in 31:02, finishing 20 seconds ahead of Eirik Sverdrup Augdal of Norway, who represents Team Eksjöhus. Johannes Eklöf of Sweden, from Team Göhlins, finished third, just 24 seconds behind Musgrave.
Top 3 Men – Lysebotn Opp Double Poling – 7.5 km:
- Andrew Musgrave, Great Britain/Team Aker Dæhlie, 31:02
- Eirik Sverdrup Augdal, Norway/Team Eksjöhus, +0:20
- Johannes Eklöf, Sweden/Team Göhlins, +0:24
Full results men: here
Leaders and Distinctive Bib Holders
With the completion of the first stage, the initial leaders and distinctive bib holders for the various categories of the Mitsubishi Electric World Classic Tour have been determined. Astrid Øyre Slind and Andrew Musgrave hold the champions’ bibs, representing the overall leaders. The youth bibs are held by Hanna Lodin of Team Engcon and Fredrik Andersson. As no points were distributed for the sprint category in this first stage, the bib holders for the next stage, Blink Classics, will be Silje Øyre Slind and Stian Hoelgaard, both from Team Aker Dæhlie.
Current Bib Holders:
- Champion: Astrid Øyre Slind (Team Aker Dæhlie) and Andrew Musgrave (Team Aker Dæhlie)
- Youth: Hanna Lodin (Team Engcon) and Fredrik Andersson
- Sprint: Silje Øyre Slind (Team Aker Dæhlie) and Stian Hoelgaard (Team Aker Dæhlie)
Current overall standing efter stage 1: here
Looking Ahead
The next stage of the Mitsubishi Electric World Classic Tour is the Blink Classics, a 54 km race in Ålgård, scheduled for today, August 1, 2024. As the competition heats up, all eyes will be on the reigning champions and the emerging talents vying for glory in this prestigious long-distance championship.
Read more about BLINK Classics: here
BLINK Classics Startlist: here
