Madshus racers dominate in final fall frenzy

October 8, 2024

Two victories in two days, including a national championship gold medal: Madshus women are literally on a roll. 

Madshus racers kicked off the last period prior to the race season claiming podiums both in long-distance and traditional skiing. 

Hedda Bångman (SWE) shows off in Lipnoloppet, while Melissa Gal (FRA) enters the winter a reigning national champion.

On Saturday, October 5, Madshus marathon racer Bångman was in a league of her own in the prestigious rollerski race Lipnolopet. 

The brutal 55-kilometer race in the Czech Republic features more than 1200 meters of elevation gain and conclude with the infamous 5-kilometer climb to the finish line on St Thomas. Bångman crushed her competitors, finishing first by more than two minutes.

Then on Sunday, October 6, Melissa Gal caps off the French national roller ski championships with a gold medal in the 10-kilometer classic event. 

“I think the titles of champion and champion of France are great performances in a list of winners. This gives an extra stake on these races,” Gal says to Nordic Mag after her gold medal. 

On Saturday, the 25-year-old finished fourth in the skate sprint race. “I still have some areas to work on before the start of the race season,” concludes Gal, who is getting ready for her next national team camp on October 14. 

Photo by: Nordic Focus