Petter Northug Jr (NOR) was seriously girled in the annual uphill race Pinåsløpet at Lardal last Saturday. Kristin Størmer Steira (NOR) was almost three minutes faster than Northug. Steira won the popular uphill race for the fourth time, and is unofficially named the Pinås queen. She also took the time to speak to the young athletes
“The main reason we invite the elite and national team racers to the event, is to motivate our young athletes,” says Ole Wiik, who is the speaker and the event coordinator in Lardal.
“Racing with the best skiers in the world right in their home town is huge,” Wiik says. “And we are really appreciative of Steira taking the time to give a presentation to the future champions,” he adds.
Steira finished the 7.5-kilometer course in 33 minutes and 17 seconds, which is 9 seconds shy of her own course record (33:08). Petter Northug Jr. finished in 36:05 and was 13th overall among the men. Local racer Erik Mysen posted the fastest time of the day: 32:44.