Jean Marc Gaillard of France and Heidi Weng were superb in Lysebotn Up rollerski race yesterday afternoon in Norway.
The Rollerski Norgescup race in Lysebotn was a spectacular and scenic uphill competition. 7.5 kilometers long, the race course featured 6 km of climbing. Starting at rom the quay in Lysebotn and ended in Øygardstøl, skiers had to negotiate 27 curves, one tunnel and 640 m of total climb.
The race course featured 27 turns and 640 meters of climbing
Big Norwegian skier Heidi Weng was unbeaten on Thursday and captured victory in the tough uphill race. "I skied up very smoothly and it was incredible fun to race here," said Weng. Finland Kaisa Makarinen went in to second place, with Marthe Kristoffersen in third.
France's Jean Marc Gaillard wins Lysebotn rollerski race
The French cross country skier Jean Marc Gaillard edged out Petter Northug and Dario Cologna out of the game and was the fastest.
Martin Johnsrud Sundby was the best Norwegian with third place. Franz Göring of Germany surged ahead in last meters and Sundby could not respond. "I was completely stiff and had no chance against the German," said Johnsrud Sundby. "It was both cruel, brutal and insanely hard. But I am surprised by this. I take this as a sign that I have done some things right. The changes in training give already good results" said a very pleased Johnsrud Sundby.
Martin J. Sundby was the top Norwegian with a thrid place
One of the biggest favorites Petter Northug finished 9th while Dario Cologna of Switzerland came 5th.
Results from Lysebotn 2010 (PDF)
Rollerskiers climbing in Lysebotn