Norwegian Champion Eline Lihagen!!

Eline Lihagen (29), veteran in FL and part of the musher scene in Mathinsdalen in Alta, is from today the Norwegian Champion 2013 in long distance Sled Dog Racing. She finished as number two and is the best Norwegian contender with her lead dogs Fuji and Ylva, and good help from frisky Tell. From a modest 17^th place at the first passing at Jotka, she has passed many good teams and been in both fifth and second place. After Karasjok it has been a nerve racking duel with Katy Meier over the 3^rd place. Over the plains from Jergul they have taken turns being in 3^rd an 4^th place, and started gaining on Finnish Ole Wingren in 2^nd place. Wingren eventually came to a stop on the Alta River, leaving Lihagen and Meier fighting for second place.  

 

Eline Lihagen crossing the finish line as the Norwegian Champion. Photo: Rune Paulsen

For Eline this means she reaches her goal for the race; to do better than boyfriend Ole Sigleif Johansen who came in 4^th in FL-500 2012. We can now assume that domestic harmony is restored.

Eline has experience from Troms Quest and previous Finnmarksløp. As the manager of the wilderness business Ongajoksetra, she lives in a musher’s paradise with training possibilities right outside her front door.

This has given great results. Finnmarkslopet.no can once again determine that girl power is part of dominating the race. We are quite proud of that, and can congratulate Norwegian Champion Eline Lihagen with a well-earned title.