Einar Hedegart emerges as a hot Olympic contender after another blistering race: “He’s incredibly strong”

NORWAY/RUKA — After stunning Norway’s cross-country field by winning the 10 km at the national season opener in Beitostølen, 24‑year‑old Einar Hedegart produced another statement performance in the World Cup 20 km mass start in Ruka. He finished second, with only Harald Østberg Amundsen proving stronger on the day.

Speaking to HBO Max after the race, Hedegart admitted he was not fully satisfied: “I’m very annoyed I couldn’t stay with the lead group when they pushed. I ended up towing the chase and spent a lot of energy bridging across.” When he finally rejoined Østberg Amundsen and the leaders, a mistake in the final corner cost him crucial speed. “I made many small errors during the race. To still be second, I have to be satisfied,” he said, acknowledging some “rookie mistakes” at this level.

Østberg Amundsen praised his compatriot: “Einar is incredibly strong, but I was probably a bit cooler than him today.”

Originally a biathlete, Hedegart has temporarily parked the rifle to focus on cross‑country skiing in the lead‑up to the Milano–Cortina 2026 Olympics. His back‑to‑back results — victory at Beitostølen and second in Ruka — have pushed him into serious contention for Norway’s Olympic team.

Hedegart now targets the upcoming 10 km interval start in Trondheim — the same distance as the Olympic individual event — calling it likely “the most important race of the season” for his Olympic ambitions. He grew up near those trails and is eager to perform in front of a home crowd.

The article also notes the broader Norwegian context in Ruka, including discussion around Johannes Høsflot Klæbo’s form and Emil Iversen’s bid for Olympic selection.