Last duel was carried out at poker world championship in Las Vegas in early July. But now it's time for a new meeting between the two Olympic champions Marcus Hellner and Petter Northug. Friday, August 20 they will meet at Kirk Bakken Grand Prix in Hamar, Norway.
Kirkebakken Grand Prix is a sprint event, which is only 200 meters long and takes place in the center of Hamar and ends before stairs of the Hamar cathedral. You can find sprint specialists among winners of the race such as Tor Arne Hetland or Marit Bjoergen or Thobias Fredriksson. This year's edition will offer a very good starting field.
In addition to Marcus Hellner and Petter Northug has three of the four ladies of the Norwegian gold Olympic relay will show up. Marit Bjørgen, Therese Johaug and Kristin Størmer Steira will appear at the start. Marit Bjørgen won the race in 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2007. Sweden's Charlotte Kala is listed among winners as well. Large part of Norwegian national squad will come to Hamar.
Busy August schedule for Northug
Petter Northug will compete tough Swedish opposition in August. Next week he goes to Aure where the race will combine roller skiing, cycling and running. The whole Swedish team will be there.Furthermore, Petter notified to the Tour of Jämtland to show up at the final stage next Saturday - August 7. Together with Bjorn Lind he will go 210 kilometers by bike from Trondheim to Åre with 1800 meter total climb.
Contributed by Kjell-Erik Kristiansen, langd.se
