March 21, 2015 (Norway) – The Birkebeinerrennet is the eighth event out of nine-race series in the Swix Ski Classics tour and offered perfect conditions today on the 54km long course between Rena and Lillehammer.

Petter Eliassen (Team LeasPlan Go), Martin Jonsrud Sundby (Norway), Jon Kristian Dahl (Team United Bakeries) and Ivo Niskanen (Team Coop) skied away early from the chasing pack and it all ended with a sprint finish between Eliassen and Sundby. Eliassen pushed hard in the end and won his third Swix Ski Classics race in a row. He also took over the Swix Ski Classics champion bib presented by Rottefella.

Johaug and Eliassen © Swix Ski Classics

“It was a tough start with high speed and we came down to a small group fighting. I pushed hard in the final hill and got the gap I needed to win. It is pretty amazing with a third victory and I did not know I could do this well. I am really happy to take over the yellow champion bib,” said Eliassen.

While the men’s race came down to a sprint finish Therese Johaug (Norway) got a gap right off the start and won her first Swix Ski Classics race.

“It was a wonderful race with great atmosphere along the course. I also had perfect skis and my shape is really good. I was a little surprised when I got the gap that early but I focused to do my own race all the way to the finish. It has been a dream since I was a little girl to win the Birkebeinerrennet and I’m very happy to win here today,” said Johaug.

Following Johaug, Katerina Smutna (Silvini / Madshus Team) won the sprint finish for second place just ahead of Seraina Boner (Team Coop). Masako Ishida (Team United Bakeries) was also fighting for the podium and placed fourth.

Eliassen takes over the lead in the Swix Ski Classics Champion competition presented by Rottefella. While Smutna extended her lead in the women’s standing.

Øystein Pettersen took back the green sprint bib and Team Santander is still leading the Team Competition. Anders Høst Team Lyn Ski took and Tone Sundvor, Team Synnfjell are still leading the women’s youth competition.

Next weekend is the Swix Ski Classics finale – Årefjällsloppet. The final race of the season that decides who will win the Swix Ski Classics Champion, sprint, team and youth competition.

Women’s results here.
Men’s results here.