24-year-old takes new Beito victory: – Gives confidence

Ida Marie Hagen (24) achieved a resounding victory in the women’s Norwegian Cup event in Nordic combined at Beitostølen on Sunday.

Hagen repeated her successful performance from Saturday, where she had already been crowned Norwegian Champion at the same venue, finishing 31.3 seconds ahead of Gyda Westvold Hansen in second place.

On Sunday, Hagen faced no competition, with Westvold Hansen placing second again. Westvold moved ahead of Marte Leinan Lund in the final hill jump and finished 1.32.6 minutes behind the winner, Hagen, while Lund followed closely, about ten seconds behind.

"This has been wonderful, with a bit of festive spirit. I was able to test my form nicely, and it felt very good. This gives me confidence heading into the World Cup. I just want to enjoy my time on skis moving forward," said the dominant winner to NRK.

Hagen started one second behind young Ingrid Alva Helga Låte before the five-kilometer cross-country leg. With snow falling, it didn’t take long for last year’s overall World Cup winner to take the lead. After the 2.5-kilometer mark, her lead over Låte had extended to 49 seconds. Shortly after, Låte pulled out of the competition.

Marte Leinan Lund and Gyda Westvold were trailing by almost a minute and a half, maintaining that distance until the finish.

"I’m taking two nice races with me," stated Westvold Hansen.

Leinan Lund, who finished in third, was impressed by the winner.

"Ida looks very strong. I believe she will dominate on the trails this season," Leinan Lund remarked.

Sunday's race was a regular Norwegian Cup event and did not hold Norwegian Championship status, unlike Saturday’s competition.