– How nice to see Emil Persson back, says expert Anders Blomquist.
Emil Persson dominated in Ski Classics two years ago but had an unsuccessful season last year filled with illnesses. In yesterday’s seven kilometers, Persson was first in 30th place.
With a couple of kilometers left in the mist, the battle for victory seemed to be between the Swede Axel Jutterström and the Norwegians Amund Riege and Morten Eide Pedersen.
But towards the goal, Persson and another Norwegian, Thomas Ödegaarden, joined in this Swedish-Norwegian showdown.
Ödegaarden had to let go and there were four riders heading into the race which was weak. Riege made the first attack but Persson responded to be passed by Riege in the very last meters. The Norwegian was able to take his very first victory in the Ski Classics.
Axel Jutterström was able to squeeze third place.
– It’s a bit of mixed feelings. I’m happy about the podium, but I went to win, says Jutterström.