August 14, 2018 (Lake Placid, NY) – A celebrity match-up between the fastest rollerskier in the world, Ludvig Sognen Jensen from Norway, and former US national cross-country sprint champion, Andy Newell, was part of a successful summer kick-off rollerski tour for the New England Nordic Ski Association (NENSA) – more on new rollerski tour here.

Jensen arrived in Boston on August 6 to begin a full week of events that included a stop at the U16 national camp in Lake Placid, NY followed by the “Celebrity Deathmatch” against Newell. The challenge consisted of a 100-meter sprint race, known as a “Super-Sprint” event that has not yet been adopted by FIS, but has been growing dramatically in Europe. Jensen has been pioneering the discipline from the beginning when it was typically held as a “show” event. More recently, Super-Sprints have been attracting large crowds and sponsors due to its popular format. Jensen currently holds the world record at 11.03 seconds.

His challenger was American sprint star, Andy Newell, who has been racing since 2001 and is a four-time Olympian. Newell has been on the US national team for 14 years, has three FIS World Cup sprint podiums to his name, raced to 4th overall in the men’s Sprint Cup back in 2010 and achieved a career-best 5th at the FIS Nordic Worlds in 2007. He’s trying a new approach this season and will spend more time in the US working with Juniors and developing his new coaching business, Nordic Team Solutions, and will race at select World Cups with a focus on the World Championships – check out the interview below.

On August 8 the duo took to the start line for the Celebrity Deathmatch as Jensen powered off the gun to take the win in an explosive time of 11.69 with Newell crossing the line a mere 0.41 seconds behind.

A few U16’s also got to challenge the ‘fastest sprinter in the world’ with Quin Massey-Bireman winning the female division and Will Koch taking home the U16 men’s title, with a sub 13-second time.

Jensen continued his tour on August 10 setting up a NASTAR like course in Burlington, Vermont and was the guest of honour at the recent App Gap Challenge roller ski race (report and photos to follow).

Results here.

Check out this cool interview with and Andy Newell on his plans going forward and new approach to the 2018/19 season that lies ahead.