News

On Saturday it’s time for the Birkebeinerrennet. The Czech World Cup skier and Team Coop member, Lukas Bauer, has chosen to race the 54 kilometers between Rena and Lillehammer instead of the World Cup in Holmenkollen. Lukas has shown his capability in long distance skiing with a second place in the Jizerská Padesatka, in the Chech Republic in January. Lukas was leading most of the race and was only beaten by Anders Aukland. Lukas didn’t get top results in the World Championship this year but now he is back and is in great shape with a fourth place in last weekend’s World Cup in Lahti.
“I´m very happy to be back racing for Team Coop and being part of the good atmosphere in the team! After a good race last weekend I have the confirmation I´ve been waiting for this season. I’ve done Birkebeinerrennet once before as a World Cup race, but this time it’s different having to carry a 3,5 kilos backpack! And I´m not even sure what to bring”, says Lukas Bauer with a big smile.

Team Coop has a very strong team on the start line on Saturday. On the men’s side we also have Roger Aa Djupvik who came second last year and after a pre-season destroyed due to illness he showed he is back taking the lead in the first 60 kilometers at Vasaloppet two weeks ago.
“I’m really looking forward to Saturday’s race and it’ll be really fun to race at home”, says Roger who lives in Lillehammer.

Espen Harald Bjerke and Morten Eide Pedersen are also racing at home. Espen Harald  was on the podium in Birkebeinerrennet with a third place last year, and Morten is on a second place in the  youth competition.
“I’m getting in better shape every day and I feel strong”, says Espen Harald.

In the women’s competition Seraina Boner and Jenny Hansson will be on the startline for Team Coop. Seraina has won Birkebeinerrennet the last two years and had a very strong season.

Team Coop:
Lukas Bauer, Czech Republic
Roger Aa Djupvik, Norway
Espen Harald Bjerke, Norway
Morten Eide Pdersen, Norway
Torjus Børsheim, Norway
Oskar Svärd, Sweden
Jimmie Johnson, Sweden
Nicola Morandini, Italy
Seraina Boner, Switzerland
Jenny Hansson, Sweden