First big trip at 57: How a farmer accidentally ended up in the world's toughest cross-country ski race. Weingand competed in Sweden last Sunday with the number 8044 around his neck.

Because one participant canceled due to illness, a place became available in a place that became available because of illness. The Bachhauser says: “As a farmer you get nowhere. You have to be in the stable,” but he makes it to Seefeld in Tyrol every now and then.