Double Norwegian Victory on Opening Day of Junior & U23 World Championships

One of the season's biggest highlights kicked off today—the Junior and U23 Championships in Schilpario, Italy. The week of exciting races began with the Junior Sprint, where Norwegian athletes dominated the qualification round. Iselin Bjervig Drivenes took the top spot in the women's category, while Filip Skari led the men's field.

These two were ones to watch throughout the day. In the final, Iselin had to settle for silver medal as fellow Norwegian Malin Hoelsveen proved to be a tough competitor, securing the gold. Taking the bronse medal—just like last year—was Milla Grosberghaugen Andreassen.

In the men's final, three Norwegians competed alongside two Germans and a Swiss athlete. Lars Heggen and Filip Skari quickly gained a small lead, with Switzerland's Isai Naeff doing his best to stay with the frontrunners. In the end, it came down to a battle between last year's winner, Heggen, and Skari. This time, it was Skari who emerged as the top contender in the classic race, securing the gold for Norway. Heggen took silver, while Naeff claimed the bronze, marking Switzerland's first medal of the competition.

Tomorrow its a new sprint day on the calendar, it is the U23 athletes turn to fight in the course. Click here for full results from the Women's and Men's Sprint in Schilpario.
Remember that you can watch all races for free on our Youtube channel or on FIS TV.