Kristian Monsen and Borghild Løvset made the perfect start to 2012 with victory in the opening winter triathlon European cup in Lygna.

Monsen’s victory was never in doubt as he dominated from the start of the race and finished with a lead of almost ten minutes over his nearest challenger. This was his first European Cup victory which also makes him Norwegian Champion – laying down the perfect marker for his ambitions this season.

Borghild Løvset was in ominous form here in Lygna. The reigning World & European Champion can now add the Norwegian National Championship to her list of accolades, and despite a difficult start during the run segment – she recovered to win comfortably.

ELITE MEN REVIEW

Conditions were perfect for the race with almost no wind but there was a blow when Andreas Svanebo (SWE) pulled out due to injury.

That made Monsen the favourite and he grabbed the opportunity. Leading from start to finish, he gave an outstanding performance and increased his lead over the field after each discipline.

He had already amassed a three minute lead after the opening 3 lap run and nobody could get near him on the bike and the ski.

The battle behind him was much more open. Per Gunnar Mustad and Ola Bustad were 2nd and 3rd respectively going into T2 ahead of Oivind Bjerkseth.

But over the 5 laps on the bike, Bjerkseth moved into second place and despite a slower ski segment he was able to maintain 2nd position.

Bustad was rewarded for the fastest ski split of the day with the final podium position.

ELITE WOMEN REVIEW

It was Marthe Myhre who set the pace in the Women’s race. Myhre won the European Championship title here in Lygna in 2010 and an opening run of 27:13 gave her almost a minute’s lead going into T1.

Løvset was perched in second place and a commanding bike segment propelled the World Champion into the lead which she didn’t relinquish.

Last year’s winner Hanne Trønnes was consistent throughout the race and although she never looked like winning, the runner’s up spot was never in doubt.

But Myhre will be wondering what could have been. The early race leader posted the fastest split time on both the run and the ski to finish in third place. But she will be disappointed as her bike segment potentially cost her a higher finish.

Photos: Monsen (top) and Løvset (above) cross the line to win the Norwegian National Championships and Winter Triathlon European Cup. Courtesy of Dag Oliver (TD)