News

The buildup to Fossavatnsgangan began on Wednesday with the Fossavatnsgangan Night Race, both 35 km and 70 km. Thursday saw the free style race of 25 km with 68 participants from 14 countries, in addition to two shorter races for the kids.

In a thrilling final sprint, the winner of men’s Fossavatnsgangan Free Style earlier tonight became Einar Árni Gíslason. He was a minute behind Dagur Benediktsson and Snorri Einarsson after the first split time, but caught up with them in the second split. The three of them came in a group down from the plateau above the ski stadium, but in the final meters, it was clear Einar would take home the gold.

In the women’s category, Sweden’s Karin Björnlinger won by 14 minutes, with María Kristín Ólafsdóttir and María Sif Hlynsdóttir taking second and third place.

After the spring weather of the last few days, the course was very soft and offered little resistance for skis and poles. The usual 50 km race course has been shortened to two 25 km loops, but otherwise the races will and have gone ahead as planned despite the melting of the last week. The weather forecast for Saturday‘s main races indicate cooler temperatures, freezing in the mountains and possibly small doses of new snow. Friday is a day off from competitions, but explorations are welcome and then a reception for Worldloppet guests.