Cross-country skiing: Oskar Opstad Vike invites himself to the top table
On Friday, Oskar Opstad Vike claimed his very first podium in the cross-country skiing world cup at the classic sprint in Falun (Sweden). Behind the leaders Johannes Hoesflot Klæbo and Erik Valnes, the twenty-one year old skier demonstrated the full extent of his talent.
However, this is not the Norwegian’s first appearance in the limelight. On 15 August last year, he created a surprise by winning the Toppidrettsveka classic sprint ahead of a certain Edvin Anger. A year earlier, he had won the famous Kannalrennet at just nineteen years of age, outstripping the best Scandinavian skiers.
The member of Team Ragde Charge , who finished eighth in the classic sprint in Cogne (Italy), also distinguished himself in his junior years. Last winter, he took the top step of the podium on several occasions in the junior Norwegian Cup. In February 2024, he took a superb third place in the sprint at the Norwegian championships, this time in the senior category.
There is no doubt that will be a force to be reckoned with in the years to come. He will be one of the young contenders to succeed King Johannes Hoesflot Klæbo, who looks set to enjoy a long and happy future.
Read also
- Rollerski: Astrid Oeyre Slind and Oskar Opstad Vike win the Kanalrennet
- Rollerski | Toppidrettsveka: classic sprint sensation Oskar Opstad Vike, Johannes Hoesflot Klæbo sixth
- Cross-country skiing | Gålå: Johanne Hauge Harviken and Haavard Moseby win the individual classic of the Norwegian Cup
- Cross-country skiing | Falun: Jules Chappaz just off the podium in the classic sprint dominated by Johannes Hoesflot Klæbo
