Shared Glory: Max Novak and Petter Stakston Triumph in Klarälvsloppet

Shared Glory: Max Novak and Petter Stakston Triumph in Klarälvsloppet

Originally published in SVT Sport on September 22, 2024

In a stunning display of camaraderie and sportsmanship, Max Novak and Petter Stakston clinched a shared victory at the Klarälvsloppet, a prestigious 90-kilometer rollerski race held in Karlstad. As they approached the finish line, both athletes, members of the same team, chose to cross together, hand in hand—an emotional moment that will surely linger in their memories.

"It gave me goosebumps when we realized we could finish together like this," Max Novak shared, reflecting on the special moment. The duo was part of a breakaway group that maintained control of the race from the very beginning, showcasing their strength and strategy.

They clocked in a remarkable finishing time of 3:17:33, drawing inspiration from previous competitions where teams opted to finish together in solidarity. Petter Stakston commented on the experience, saying, "I was really satisfied with that. I was in so much pain everywhere, so I don’t think I would have been able to launch a good final sprint."