Julie Kvale Stoestad of Team Ramudden secured her first victory in the Ski Classics circuit by winning the new sprint event in Bedrichov, Czech Republic. The Norwegian skier, a former professional footballer, outpaced established stars in a surprising finish. She expressed shock at her success in a post-race interview.
On Friday, Julie Kvale Stoestad claimed victory in the inaugural Bedrichov sprint, a fresh addition to the Ski Classics long-distance cross-country series. Competing for Team Ramudden, the skier crossed the line ahead of prominent athletes including Anikken Gjerde Alnæs, Ane Appelkvist Stenseth, and Stina Nilsson. This triumph marks her debut win in the elite competition, following consistent progress in recent seasons.
Stoestad's path to this achievement is unconventional. Before fully committing to cross-country skiing, she played professional football in Norway. Her debut came with Stabæk in the first division, followed by three matches for Ovrevoll Hosle IL in the second division in 2021. After ending her football career, she shifted focus to the boards.
In her second Ski Classics season, Stoestad notched several top-10 results. Last year, she placed seventh in the Marcialonga and ninth in the two Grönklitt races. This season has seen further gains, with a fifth-place finish in the Marcialonga just last Sunday. The Bedrichov win capped a dramatic final sprint, solidifying her rising status.
Reflecting on the upset, Stoestad told Langrenn.com, “I didn’t expect it at all.” Her background as a defender in football may have honed the endurance needed for such grueling races, blending athletic versatility with determination.
