14:11. Last winter, Einar Hedegart caused a sensation on the cross-country skiing world cup. Indeed, after just two starts in the elite, the Norwegian took a formidable second place in the individual skate race in Oslo-Holmenkollen (Norway) on 16 March. A performance that is all the more remarkable given that the 23-year-old is not a cross-country skier, but a biathlete.
The Scandinavian has shone on a number of occasions in the Norwegian Cup, and has even decided to concentrate 100% on biathlon from now on. However, the rising star of recent months suffered a real setback this weekend. Lining up at the start of the Birkebeinerløpet running competition in Norway this weekend, he was unluckily injured during the 21-kilometre event.
Long in contention for a podium finish, Einar Hedegart suffered after twisting both his ankles. “I was fourth until the fifth kilometre and I was feeling really good. But then I twisted both my ankles and had to walk at the end. It was really painful,” he tells Langrenn. I kept limping on, but by the end I couldn’t do anything. This minor setback should not prevent him from performing at the eagerly-awaited Blink Festival in August.
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