Kikkan Randall in Norway Rollerski Cup
Thu, Jun 3, 2010 - By Claes-Tommy Herland
Askim will host first event of the Norway Rollerski Cup. Several of the best cross country skiers will be at the starting line on June 18 for the start of the World Cup in Germany Markkleeberg.
The American sprint star, Kikkan Randall is ready for start in Askim streets. Also there will be Ella Gjømle Berg and Guro Strøm Solli on the city streets in the Østfold-town this Saturday morning.
"I do not know how good Kikkan on the rollerskis, but she is known as the woman in the World Cup circus with the most 'push' in the legs. She is both strong and quick as well. It is very fun to have her on the starting line," according to the best roller skater in recent years, Ragnar Bragvin Andresen.
Randall finished second place in the sprint event in the Holmenkollen during trial world championships last winter, and also silver in the sprint in the Liberec World Championship 2009. There is no doubt that the American skier will be an attraction in Norway Rollerski Cup opening, and many of the Norwegian women on the starting line will be enough to beat her.
Ragnar Andresen Bragvin in Askim streets last year. (Photo: Norwegian Ski Association)
In Askim, there are two races on the same day: a 200 meter sprint followed by a 1,230 meter steep mountain race.
Last year's race was a success with a large audience and great athletic performance in Askim streets. Expect much celebration this weekend.
In the men's class, big guns like Sindre Wiig Nordby, Jens Bjertnæs, Ragnar and Magnus Andresen Bragvin Frodahl are ready to start.
Hope it picks up
Per Nymoen in the Norwegian Ski Federation is excited about the turnout and expects it to pick up even more in the season.
"We started with Norway Rollerski Cup last year, and did not really expect so many people. There were variable crowds along the sidelines, but we hope, of course, on increased participation this year. The goal is to get started on this show properly, and feel we are well on track with that work," says Nymoen.
Discussion over whether to allow "fast wheel" or "slow wheel" in the races is still going on. Generally, in Norway Cup races, it is up to organizers to decide what type of wheels to be used.
"There are different views on this issue, and this discussion is likely to continue for a long time. Therefore we say that the organizers will decide in this year's Norway Cup," said Nymoen.
The opening race in Askim is allowing "fast wheels", and there is no doubt that Bragvin Ragnar Andresen and the other roller guns are going to show off high speeds.