July 25, 2011 (Sandnes, Norway) – The traditional Blink Festival in Sandnes was cancelled after two days because of the tragedy in Oslo and Utøya Island. FIS Cross-Country sends its sincere condolences to the families and friends of the victims in Oslo and the island of Utøya – read more HERE.

The first competition at the festival held on Thursday, July 21, a 7.5 km uphill race in Lysebotn Opp was won by Marit Bjoergen and Martin Johnsrud Sundby. Friday’s program consisted of a 10km Mass Start Ladies and 15km Mass Start Men’s race.

On the women’s side Bjoergen was unbeatable again in the long distance race edging out Maiken Caspersen Falla and Heidi Weng.

Øistein ”Pølsa” Pettersen dominated the men’s race ahead of Swiss Christoph Eigenmann. Third place belonged to Norway’s Ånund Lid Byggland .

The history of the Blink Festival dates back to 2006. Every year since then the best cross-country and Biathlon skiers have gathered in Sandnes. In 2008 a total of 40.000 spectators attended the festival.