July 05, 2010 (Red Rock, Nevada) – Dubbed Operation Desert Storm by Vi Menn, the Vegas duo of Peter Northug and Marcus Hellner, accompanied by Peter’s brother Thomas, headed out from Las Vegas for a rollerski interval workout at Red Rock in the scorching yet beautiful Nevada Desert.

Northug, Hellner and little brother Thomas hanging on.

Thomas was certainly not out of his league skiing with the two stars. Following his big brother’s footsteps, he’s a first year senior, and past World Junior Champ. Temperatures soared into the 40s (over 100 F) as the three racers battled on the sizzling tarmac with a Vi Menn journo jumping in for good measure.

Marcus Hellner in the lead as Peter Norhug trails. © Vi Menn

Sunday evening saw Hellner and Northug sit down for the first of three head-to-head competitions, this one taking place in a private room at the Palms Hotel and Casino. After some typical Northug-style media schmoozing, the pair got down to some serious poker playing. Eventually Hellner took the win in a surprising upset so the score is Hellner: 1, Northug: 0. Next up is the World Series of Poker which starts on Monday, July 5, at noon Pacific time at the Rio Hotel. Stay tuned for more coverage, and the final stage, rollerski sprint showdown on Tuesday at the Palms Hotel.

Read more here.

Vi Menn journalist takes on Hellner (l) and Norhug (r). © Vi Menn