The Ski Classics Pro Tour saw a dominant performance from Norwegian skiers at the Birkebeinerrennet on March 14, 2026, with Torleif Syrstad of Team Engcon taking the top spot. The race, a grueling 54-kilometer cross-country ski event, showcased the strength and endurance of the Nordic athletes, but similarly highlighted a close pursuit from several competitors. The event marks a key moment in the Season XVII of the Ski Classics series, drawing attention to the growing competitive landscape within the sport.
Syrstad completed the course in a time of 2:20:27.3, securing his victory. Ole Jørgen Bruvoll, also representing Team Engcon, finished second with a time of 2:24:36.8, just over four minutes behind. Runar Skaug Mathisen of Lager 157 Ski Team rounded out the podium, finishing in 2:24:37.0. The tight finish underscores the increasing depth of talent within the Ski Classics circuit.
Birkebeinerrennet Results: Top Ten Finishers
The top ten finishers were tightly packed, demonstrating the high level of competition. Amund Riege (Team Aker Dæhlie) and Einar Kalland-Olsen (Lager 157 Ski Team) followed closely behind the leaders, finishing in 2:24:37.3 and 2:24:38.0 respectively. Magnus Vesterheim (Team Ramudden), Johan Hoel (Team Ragde Charge), Gabriel Strid (Team GS82), Alvar Myhlback (Lager 157 Ski Team), and Mikael Gunnulfsen (Team Ragde Charge) completed the top ten, all within a narrow time frame. Full results are available on the Ski Classics website.
Myhlback’s Performance and Recent Health Concerns
Despite a strong showing, finishing ninth with a time of 2:24:38.7, Alvar Myhlback’s participation was initially uncertain due to a recent cold contracted after the World Cup competitions in Trondheim. According to Anton Järnberg, team chef for Lager 157, the decision to allow Myhlback to compete was made cautiously, prioritizing his health. “Being sick, you shouldn’t compete. Alvar really wanted to race, but he isn’t fully healthy, so there was no point in taking a chance,” Järnberg stated to Falu-Kuriren. This highlights the team’s commitment to athlete well-being amidst the pressures of competition.
Myhlback’s recent form has been impressive, including a third-place finish in the Trondheim World Cup sprint, demonstrating his versatility across different distances. He also recently dominated the Ski Classics sprint in Bedřichov on January 30, 2026, showcasing his exceptional sprinting ability. SVT Sport described his performance as “Kläbo-marginal,” referencing the dominance of Johannes Høsflot Klæbo in sprint events. He has won the Ski Classics sprint for the third year in a row, according to Expressen.
The Ski Classics season continues with upcoming events, including further Pro Tour races and Challenger events. The focus will now shift to the next competitions, where athletes will aim to build on their performances and gain valuable points in the overall standings. The series will next feature a team tempo event before the Bad Gastein Criterium, offering a different challenge for the skiers.
The strong showing by Norwegian skiers at the Birkebeinerrennet sets the stage for an exciting remainder of the Ski Classics season. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Syrstad can maintain his momentum and if Myhlback can fully recover and challenge for the top spot in future races. Stay tuned for further updates and results as the season progresses.
