First Swedish Skitunnel Opened

Published: Sun Jun 18, 2006 12:00 AM MDT

The World’s longest skitunnel opened in Torsby, Sweden on Friday. Wassberg and Mieto were there. See the photos.

Thobias Fredriksson beat Bjorn Lind in a pre-opening sprint competition and got the honor of cutting the ribbon in the opening ceremony.

The tunnel is 1287 meter long and has an altitude difference of 12 meter. There are two classic tracks and two skate tracks in the 8 meter wide course.

Chief of operation Mats Westerlund has this to say:
- The interest for the tunnel is at least as big in Norway as it is in Sweden. Many clubs has reserved training time and showed interest. Several Norwegian national teams have planned camps in Torsby.

The unique about Torsby is that we also offer good skiing and dryland training.

The skitunnel also has its own biathlon range.

Source: Langrenn.com

Duel between Thomas Wassberg and Juha Mieto

Foto: Lars Krogsveen

Inge Braaten with a bib on for the first time since 1982

Eric Hughes - Chicago, IL, posted on Jun 18, 2006

I wonder who won the Wassberg / Mieto "duel." Judging from thier physiques, I bet Mieto lost by more than 100th of a second this time.

ben husaby - bend, OR, posted on Jun 20, 2006

The race can also be about style. I think Mieto has really pulled something off here- 50mm bindings, dark leather boots with hockey laces, cotton sweats, t-shirt, Milwaukee tumor. Very sporting. I have seen similar outfitting at Salcha, Black Mountain and Pincushion(I hope I am not making an overt attack here?).

Have a great summer! Just to let you know, skiing is still good at 6700 feet here in Bend. No tunnel though.

Ben

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