Norseman in photos as women’s course record is smashed

The Norwegian final of the XTRi series is often rated as one of the toughest and longest distance triathlons available in the race calendar. This year’s race saw some stunning performances though, including a new women’s course record from Germany’s Julia Skala.

The 2025 edition of the Zalaris Norseman Xtreme Triathlon got underway at 5am on Saturday 2nd August under calm but foggy conditions in Eidfjord, Norway. As usual, the athletes had boarded a car ferry which took them out into the water.

A total of 256 athletes did the iconic jump from a ferry into Eidfjord, with water temperatures well above the normal icy conditions but an early start and a long day ahead meaning it was still important to not get too cold during the swim.

Following the 3.8km open-water swim, the competitors took on 180km of cycling through dramatic mountain landscapes, and a full marathon ending at the top of Mount Gausta (“Gaustatoppen”).

Winning again

In the men’s race the Norwegian athlete Kristian Grue surged to the front from the very first swim stroke – and never let go. Showing incredible form throughout the day, he extended his lead during the bike and run segments and crossed the mountaintop finish line in an impressive time of 9 hours and 45 minutes.

After multiple podium finishes in previous years, Grue finally clinched a decisive and well-deserved victory.

Fellow Norwegian and former Norseman champion Hans Christian Tungesvik maintained a strong second place for most of the race but was forced to withdraw due to injury with only 14 km remaining in the final climb.

Switzerland’s Christophe Martignier stepped up to claim second place in 10 hours and 29 minutes, while Juuso Manninen of Finland secured third in 10 hours and 34 minutes.

Women’s record tumbles

In the women’s field, Germany’s Julia Skala lived up to her status as one of the pre-race favorites. After exiting the water in fourth position, she quickly moved into the lead on the bike and continued to build a strong gap throughout the day.

Skala crossed the finish line in an impressive time of 11 hours flat, setting a new women’s course record and breaking the previous record set by Mette Pettersen Moe in 2018 by an impressive 16 minutes. Her performance also earned her 6th place overall among all competitors – a remarkable feat in this gruelling event.

Second place in the women’s race went to Laura Kessler of Switzerland with a time of 11 hours and 52 minutes, followed by former Norseman winner Flora Colledge from the UK in 12 hours and 10 minutes.

Tempted by a tough race? Find our guide to the toughest iron-distance races here!

Lead image credit: Sylvain Cavatz