Oskar Kardin wins La Venosta – double Swedish victory on the podium

In a remarkable display of talent, Oskar Kardin won the La Venosta race, a challenging 11-kilometer event set in northern Italy. This victory not only put him at the top of the podium but also represented a notable change in the results, breaking the recent Norwegian dominance that had seen a triplet of Norwegian victories in prior races. Kardin crossed the finish line with an impressive time of 32:42.3, just 4.1 seconds ahead of his fellow Swede, Max Novak, who claimed second place.

Kardin expressed his surprise at the outcome, noting that while they had not been expected to triumph in this race, the result was immensely satisfying. "I stuck to the plan and it nearly took me all the way; I’m very pleased," Novak commented on his performance.

The achievements of the Swedish athletes continued with strong finishes throughout the race, with Emil Persson behind in fifth and emerging talent Alvar Myhlback finishing sixth.

Looking ahead, Kardin aims to replicate his successful performance in the upcoming 55-kilometer La Diagonela race in Switzerland, a category he previously won in 2021. He hopes the conditions will echo those of La Venosta, expressing a preference for colder weather during competitions. This victory marks a hopeful beginning for the Swedish contingent in the ongoing ski season, showcasing their potential against a backdrop of prior Norwegian successes.

The competition was part of the Ski Classics series, highlighting endurance racing in cross-country skiing, which is gaining traction among winter sports enthusiasts. The event drew significant attention, not just for the thrilling competition but also for the promising future of cross-country skiing in Sweden, evident through Kardin and Novak's performances.