Toppidtrettsveka – Hitra: race report

Toppidrettsveka – Hitra lived up to all expectations on this new track, which is as spectacular as it is demanding for the athletes. And this new route, slaloming between sea and land, favored Silje Øyre SLIND and Thomas JOLY, who secured decisive victories!

A brand-new course for Toppidrettsveka – Hitra, from Knarrlagsundet to Fillan.

56 km were separating the start to the finish in Stage 3: Toppidrettsveka – Hitra, showing the best of Norwegians landscapes. The course was filled with challenges throughout, made even more difficult by the rain that slowed the athletes’ progress. The world’s best riders were at the start, and they battled it out until the very end!

Women’s race:

Early in the race, Silje Øyre Slind and Astrid Øyre Slind broke away after both taking a fall ahead of the first sprint position. The two sisters from Team Aker Dahlie were pursued by Magni Smedås (Team Ekjsohüs) and Rosie Brennan (Team Robinson Trentino), but the gap only widened! The Slind sisters delivered an incredible display of sportsmanship, crossing the finish line shoulder to shoulder. However, a race needs a winner, and it was Silje Øyre Slind who was declared the victor by just 0.1 seconds.

Top 3 Women – Lysebotn Opp Double Poling – 7.5 km:

1. Silje Øyre Slind, Team Aker Dæhlie/Norway, 2:27:58.9
2. Astrid Øyre Slind, Team Aker Dæhlie/Norway, +0.1
3. Magni Smedås, Team Eksjohüs/Norway, +1:56.0

Full results women: here

Men’s race:

In the men’s race, the first attack was launched by Johan Tjelle from Team Engcon, with Emil Liekari from Finland joining the breakaway. The two riders led the race for 40 kilometers, at one point building a gap of one and a half minutes, wich award Tjelle with the title of Athlete of the Day.

However, their lead was diminished about 10 kilometers before the finish line as the peloton increased its pace. With the pack heading towards a massive sprint, it was Thomas Joly from Team Ramudden who displayed the greatest strength, raising his arms in victory!

Top 3 Men – Lysebotn Opp Double Poling – 7.5 km:

1. Thomas Joly, Team Ramudden/France, 2:08:15.7
2. Max Novak, Team Aker Dæhlie/Sweden, +0.5
3. Oskar Opstad Vike, Norway, +0.6

Full results women: here

Leaders and Distinctive Bib Holders after Stage 3: Toppidrettsveka – Hitra

CHAMPION: Thomas Joly – Team  Ramudden // Astrid Øyre Slind – Team Aker Dæhlie

SPRINT: Einar Kalland-Olsen – Exsitec Ski Team // Astrid Øyre Slind – Team Aker Dæhlie

YOUTH: Thomas Joly – Team  Ramudden // Hanna Lodin – Team Engcon

Next step: Alliansloppet – August 24th

Stay tuned for next stage – Stage 4: Alliasnloppet in Trolhättan (Sweden). The athletes will race on the 48km track in the heart of the city!

Read more about Alliansloppet here.

Pictures: FotoKnoff // Sven Erik Knoff