Skiers and biathletes from all over the world are gathering for the biggest summer ski show in Sandnes, Norway, this weekend. The annual roller ski festival is reporting a record number of participants this year: a total of 660 racers both cross-country skiers (387) and biathletes (270) will fight for the podiums this weekend.
Madshus racers Ole Einar Bjoerndalen, Emil Hegle Svendsen, Synnøve Solemdal and Heidi Weng are among the stars on the start line, along with a long list of World Cup racers. Contenders include Kikkan Randall (USA), Therese Johaug (NOR), Kaisa Mäkäräinen (FIN), Dario Cologna (SUI), Martin Johnsrud Sundby (NOR), Øystein Pettersen (NOR), Maurice Manificat (FRA), Jean Marc Gaillard (FRA), Tarjei Bø (NOR), Martin and Simon Fourcade (FRA) and Carl Johan Bergmann (SWE)
The uphill race Lysebotn Opp on Thursday, July 19, kicks off the fun on the south coast of Norway, while the roller ski races at Blink Festival continue the race weekend on Friday and Saturday. The weekend features both biathlon duels, cross-country sprint races, biathlon mass start events, and super sprints.