Our Racers

Three mushers. One legacy.

Racing isn’t just part of Holmen’s identity — it’s our compass. Since 1986, the Finnmarksløpet has shaped how we train, live, and connect with our dogs.

It all began with Kari Jæger, who in 1987 became the first woman ever to complete the Finnmarksløpet. Her drive and determination helped pave the way not just for Holmen, but for the race itself — which she later went on to manage and develop into Europe’s premier long-distance sled dog race.

Soon after, Eirik Nilsen entered the race and spent the next 25 years competing at the highest level. Their shared passion laid the foundation for Holmen’s racing culture.

Now, their son Brage Nilsen Jæger carries the torch — racing both the 600 km and 1200 km Finnmarksløpet and earning Rookie of the Year in both classes.

🐾 Eirik Nilsen

Founder, Veteran Musher

Eirik entered his first Finnmarksløpet in 1988, and over the next 25 years, he started the race 14 times — with multiple podium finishes and three wins. He helped define what competitive long-distance mushing means in Norway and laid the foundation for Holmen’s racing culture.

Race History

  • 2012 – FL-1000 – Veteran – DNF
  • 2007 – FL-500 – Veteran – 15th place
  • 2005 – FL-1000 – Veteran – 13th place
  • 2004 – FL-1000 – Veteran – DNF
  • 2003 – FL-1000 – Veteran – 7th place
  • 2002 – FL-1000 – Veteran – 3rd place
  • 2000 – FL-1000 – Veteran – DNF
  • 1996 – FL-500 – Veteran – 3rd place
  • 1995 – FL-500 – Veteran – 1st place
  • 1993 – FL-Limited – Veteran – 1st place
  • 1992 – FL-Limited – Rookie – 1st place
  • 1991 – FL-Open – Rookie – 9th place
  • 1989 – FL-500 – Result not listed
  • 1988 – FL-500 – Rookie

🐾 Brage Nilsen Jæger

Second Generation Musher & CEO

Brage returned to Holmen in 2019 to help his father. In the process, he fell in love with the craft — and with racing. Since his debut in 2022, he has completed both the 600 km and 1200 km Finnmarksløpet, earning Rookie of the Year in both classes and securing top finishes against the best teams in Europe.

Race History

  • 2025 – FL-1200 – Rookie of the Year – 6th place
  • 2025 – FL-600 – Veteran – 4th place
  • 2023 – FL-600 – Veteran – DNF
  • 2022 – FL-600 – Rookie of the Year – 5th place