Nordic TIMBERSPORTS® season underway – Sønsteby takes victory as Nordic athletes target international success
The 2026 TIMBERSPORTS® season is officially underway after the opening round of the Nordic Cup was decided at the Skogsnolia forestry fair in Umeå, Sweden. Athletes from across the Nordic region gathered for the season opener, where Norway’s Vebjørn Sønsteby secured victory in the Pro class.
Nordic Cup, part one, marked the beginning of a season that will take athletes through Nordic Championships, international trophy events and ultimately the World Championship in Stuttgart this October. The 2026 season also includes the first-ever Women’s World Championship, marking a major milestone for the sport.
For reigning Norwegian champion Vebjørn Sønsteby, the opening win was an important first step toward the season’s larger goals.
“I’m very happy to start the season with a victory. I’m pleased with my performance throughout the competition, especially considering I still feel there are details to improve ahead of the Nordic Championships,” says Sønsteby.
“The main focus this season is the World Championship in Stuttgart. My goal is to qualify for both the individual competition and the Team World Championship with the Norwegian national team.”
Hansson focused on the bigger picture despite setback
Despite a costly disqualification in Hot Saw, Sweden’s pre-event favourite for the gold medal, Emil Hansson, saw several positives in his season debut, where he finished just outside the podium. Hansson finished fourth in the Individual World Championship last season and remains one of the Nordic region’s leading athletes heading into 2026.
“It’s great to finally get the season underway and there’s a lot to take away from the competition. Overall, I put in a strong performance, but unfortunately I was disqualified in Hot Saw, and in TIMBERSPORTS® the margins are very small. Now it’s all about resetting and focusing on the next competition,” says Hansson.
Strong performances across Rookie and Women’s competitions
In the Rookie competition, Sweden’s Albin Nilsson claimed victory after a strong overall performance, while German athlete Alrun Auebing won the Women’s competition. Auebing competed in Umeå as part of the international TIMBERSPORTS® Exchange Program, which gives athletes the opportunity to compete across national borders and gain experience in different competition environments.
The Nordic season continues in Orsa, Sweden, on 15 July before culminating at the Nordic Championships during Agrisjå in Stjørdal, Norway, in August. Alongside the Nordic competitions, athletes will also compete in international events including the World Trophy in Budapest, the European Trophy in Poland and the World Championship in Stuttgart.
