Norwegian dominance in Ål: A historic weekend for Telemark Skiing

Feb 20, 2025·Telemark

Løken (NOR) VS Collberg (SWE)

The Telemark World Cup in Ål proved to be a defining moment on the road to the season finale in Thyon 4 Vallées next March. For the Norwegian team, this event was more than just another competition—it was a historic turning point, marked by emotional victories and a powerful tribute to their late teammate, Emil.

Sprint race: Double victory for Norway

The Ål Sprint race delivered a dramatic showdown, with super-tight gates on aggressive snow catching many athletes off guard in the first run. The second run, designed for more speed and fewer turns, required adaptability as the racers adjusted to shifting conditions. Despite the contrasts between runs, the favorites proved their technical versatility.

Norwegian skiers Kaja Bjørnstad Konow and Trym Nygaard Løken dominated the event, winning both runs and securing a memorable double victory on home soil. Their triumph was more than just a sporting achievement—it was a heartfelt tribute to Emil.

A little slow first run, but managed to step up the game a bit in the second run. Different conditions than earlier this season, very aggressive snow. Special to have a double Norwegian win on home soil, that’s not very common! We are all skiing for and with our teammate Emil in mind. It’s still very hard to believe…– Trym Nygaard Løken (NOR)

It feels so good to win today and finally put together two solid runs in the same race! I really like it here in Ål, so I’m looking forward to the next races. We race for Emil—he’s always in our hearts.– Kaja Bjørnstad Konow (NOR)

In the women’s race, Argeline Tan Bouquet (FRA) finished second, followed by Augustine Carliez (FRA) in third and Jasmin Taylor (GBR) in fourth. On the men’s side, Nicolas Michel (SUI) took second place, with Charly Petex (FRA) in third and Noé Claye (FRA) in fourth.

Parallel Sprint: Unstoppable Vikings

The high-energy Parallel Sprint is a crowd favorite, offering thrilling head-to-head duels and fierce battles through the loom and skating sections.

The Parallel Sprint is a highlight for both athletes and spectators. Today’s race was no exception!– Bjørn Espen Aase, Norwegian Team Sport Director

Once again, Kaja Bjørnstad Konow and Trym Nygaard Løken reigned supreme, securing another Norwegian double victory. "So happy with my first-ever Parallel Sprint win! I can’t believe it!" Konow said. "And really happy for Maria and Trym too!"

For Løken, the victory carried special significance. "Great atmosphere in today’s parallel! The organizers and course setter did an amazing job, making it a very even, fair, and exciting race," he said. "Finally, a victory in parallel at Ål—it’s been a nemesis for years! I don’t know if this is the first time we’ve had back-to-back double wins for Team Norway on home soil, but it’s definitely the first time since I joined the World Cup almost 15 years ago!"

Adding to the celebrations, Maria Heggheim Berge clinched her first-ever podium finish, making it a dream day for the Norwegian team. Swedish racer Olle Collberg recognized the significance of the moment: "As a longtime racer, it’s always great to see my competitors deliver their best performances in front of their home crowd. Norway securing 3 out of 6 podium spots—including a double win—is simply amazing. Congratulations to Kaja, Trym, and Maria!"

In the women’s category, France’s Augustine Carliez finished second, while Maria Heggheim Berge (NOR) completed the podium in third. On the men’s side, Charly Petex (FRA) claimed second place, with Nicolas Michel (SUI) finishing third.

Classic race: A test of endurance

The Classic race, often called the "mother of all telemark races," made its season debut in Ål, challenging skiers with a demanding mix of technical and physical sections. The course, designed by British coach Sébastien Mansart, embraced the natural terrain and created a race that honored the spirit of Telemark skiing.

A Classic race should reward the most complete, prepared, and sharp-minded racers. Each section—from giant slalom turns to jumps and skating—must play a decisive role. I wanted the course to tell a story, where each turn influences the next two or three, avoiding repetitive rhythms to keep athletes engaged. The final skate section was a team effort, fine-tuned with input from Swiss coach Julien Annequin and the jury to balance technical and physical demands.– Sébastien Mansart, Coach of the Great Britain's team

The race featured dramatic shifts in gradient, width, and rhythm, providing a perfect stage for Norway’s Trym Nygaard Løken, who claimed his third consecutive victory of the weekend. On the women’s side, Augustine Carliez (FRA) skied to an elegant victory, ahead of Kaja Bjørnstad Konow (NOR) in second and Jasmin Taylor (GBR) in third.

For the men, Noé Claye (FRA) finished second, with Jacob Benjamin Alveberg (NOR) in third and Olle Collberg (SWE) in fourth.

Championship standings and upcoming battles

With her strong results, Jasmin Taylor continues to lead the women’s overall standings, but the battle for the title remains tight. Trym Nygaard Løken, meanwhile, has asserted dominance in the men’s rankings, leading in Sprint, Parallel Sprint, and Classic disciplines. Nicolas Michel solidifies his second place, while Charly Petex returns to the top three.

Looking ahead to Round 6 in Krvavec (SLO) from March 6–8, the competition promises to be intense. With two Sprint races and one Classic event, Løken, Michel, and Petex are expected to deliver thrilling duels. Meanwhile, Noé Claye, the reigning Classic Globe winner, will be eager for redemption.

March is shaping up to be an epic month for Telemark skiing—stay tuned!

A tribute beyond the podium

More than just sporting results, Ål carried a special energy—a tribute to Emil. The Norwegian athletes drew deep from within themselves, skiing in his memory. Their performances reflected not just their skill, but also their heart, unity, and the lasting impact of their teammate.

« In memory of Emil Tobias Langhus Bye

Emil, you were a smiling, discreet guy. There was no need for words with you, your face expressed the joy of life and your love of telemark, snow and the mountains. You stayed up there forever. We cried, we blamed you, we honored you, but we already miss you. Your energy and joy were essential to all of us. To be honest, we were all waiting for a sign from you in Ål for the World Cup. We would have liked you to fill the stadium with snowflakes like in a fairy tale. But you decided otherwise. You imprinted yourself on each and every one of us and you lit a sacred fire within us and even more in the hearts of your Norwegian team. Your team mates had an extra atom in them, that of panache, of surpassing oneself. They thrilled us, and won almost everything with humility and a smile. You were there and you can be proud. You resonated deeply within each of the athletes. In Ål, you gave us the greatest victory of all: that of passion, friendship and the meaning of life. Wherever you are, continues to stir our telemark atoms. Long life to Emil’s turn. » - Sam Decout, FIS Telemark