Birkebeinerrennet

With a star-studded starting field with far more World Cup runners than usual, the victory in the men’s elite class was more than open. Also more than usual were able to follow the leading group until the final stretch, so the decision making in 2022’s Birkebeinerrennet came down to a massive final sprint. And this is exactly what Norway’s Andreas Nygaard needs. Ice cold he sprinted to his second victory at Norway’s Worldloppet race only two weeks after winning the Vasaloppet. “You never feel safe, but I felt that I had good cards on hand,” says Nygaard after the finish.

Results Birkebeinerrennet 2022 Men

1. Andreas Nygaard, NOR, 2:30:02
2. Max Novak, SWE, + 0:00:01
3. Emil Persson, SWE, +0:00:01
4. Martin Løwstrøm Nyenget, NOR, +0:00:02
5. Johannes Eklöf, SWE, + 0:00:02

Showdown between Slind and Johaug

In the ladie’s race it was a thrilling showdown between long-distance queen Astrid Øyre Slind and World Cup queen Therese Johaug, both Norway. This showdown came to its most exciting peak only on the finish lane, when Slind was able to beat Johaug only by a blink of an øye (eye in Norwegian). “Winning Birken means a lot. It has such a prestige to win here, and especially since there were so many good skiers at the start.”, says Øyre Slind. Barely two weeks ago, she won the Vasaloppet. But then by almost three minutes margin.

Results Birkebeinerrennet 2022 women

1. Astrid Øyre Slind, NOR, 2:47:23
2. Therese Johaug, NOR, 2:47:24
3. Emilie Fleten, NOR, 2:47:49
4. Britta Johannsson Norgren, SWE, 2:50:31
5. Marit Bjørgen, NOR, 2:50:36

Here is a picture gallery of Birkebeinerrennt 2022