American Birkebeiner

A Birkie unlike any found in any other year

March 1, 2021

With fresh fallen snow covering the classic course on the American
Birkebeiner Trail, the race was slow and challenging for skiers in the 47th Slumberland American Birkebeiner (Birkie) classic championship race, Sunday 28th February. In this unique year, the annual Birkie ski race was completely modified from the traditional point to point race – traditionally American Birkebeiner Trailhead to downtown Hayward to a shortened, hilly, 43K looped course with the race starting and finishing at the American Birkebeiner Trailhead at Cable/Wisconsin.

Cutting tracks through the ankle deep, freshly fallen snow were Rosie Frankowski and Ian Torchia the first elite skiers to cross the finish line in Sunday’s elite classic technique race.

A day before, Johnny Hagenbuch and Alayna Sonnesyn took the victory in the skating championship race.

Men’s 43k Classic Race

  1. Ian Torchia – 2:39:01
  2. Jonny Hagenbuch – 2:46:18
  3. Tyler Kornfield – 2:47:09

Women’s 43km Classic Race

  1. Rosie Frankowski – 2:51:44
  2. Alayna Sonnesyn – 2:52:42
  3. Katie Feldman – 3:07:08

Men’s 43km Skating Race

  1. Jonny Hagenbuch – 1:54:15
  2. Sam Wood – 1:54:19
  3. Tyler Kornfield – 1:54:20

Women’s 43km Skating Race

  1. Alayna Sonnesyn – 2:06:45
  2. Rosie Frankowski – 2:06:49
  3. Caitlin Gregg – 2:08:18

The 2021 Slumberland American Birkebeiner and Kortelopet races were unlike any found in any other year with no international competition; no spectators; no busing; no indoor gathering or warm spaces, masking in
the start/aid stations/finish zone; skiers needing to be self-reliant by transporting themselves to the start area, carrying their own energy needs and hydration vessels; social distancing in the start and finish areas; and an
extensive list of safety protocols and measures in place for the safety of participants, volunteers, staff and the greater communities.

Since the first American Birkebeiner ski race in 1973, over 250,000 skiers have completed Birkie ski races. While 2021 participant numbers were down from previous years, the ABSF offered both virtual and in-person race options to all registered participants. Fifty percent of skiers chose to ski in-person over the five-days of race week (February 24 – 28, 2021) with the
remaining 50% opting to ski virtually from points around the globe. Skiers in no-snow locations had the option of cycling, running, rowing, or swimming their way to their Birkie finish line.

Picture Album

BACK