. world ski news : 84th cross-country classic style ski race Vasaloppet - 02 March 2008 - 19:42
Norwegian skier Joergen Aukland won the 90-kilometer Vasaloppet Cross-country Skiing Marathon in Mora of Sweden on Sunday.
The 15,000 skiers make their way out from the mass start in Berga By in Salen, heading for the finish in Mora in the 90 kilometer-long cross-country classic style ski race Vasaloppet, Sweden, on Sunday February 2, 2008. Vasaloppet is the oldest, the longest, and the biggest cross-country ski race in the world. The legendary cross country ski race is held for the 84th time this year. (AP Photo / Ulf Palm / SCANPIX)
Aukland led the race after 60 kilometers and kept the leading position to the final. He clocked four hours 13 minutes and 45 seconds to win the title for the first time.
The 32-year-old Norwegian came runner-up twice and third three times in the previous races.
Aukland had dreamed of winning the race since was six years old and watched the race on television in Norway, he said to the Swedish television SVT after the winning.
The women's title was won by Sandra Hansson from Sweden in four hours 47 minutes and 16 seconds.
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