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100 PAGES ABOUT VISMA SKI CLASSICS

√ PRO TEAMS √ EVENT GUIDES √ FAVOURITES √ STATS √ MEDIA

PRO SKIING

2018
28 PRO TEAMS

√ Athlete presentations
√ Analyses
√ Statistics
√ Race suits
by Teemu Virtanen

11 EVENTS

√ Track maps
√ Profiles

SEASON VIII
√ History

THE PERFECT
WORKOUT!

THE COMPLETE GUIDE


PRESENTATION OF FAVOURITES by Erik Wickström 99 SEK • 9.9 EUR • 99 NOK
√ Champion Bib
√ Sprint Bib TIDSAM 3239-01 01

√ Climb Bib
√ Youth Bib 7 388323 909907
√ Pro Team RETURUKE 7
Visma
Vismaisisthe
theproud
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titlesponsor
sponsor
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Classics
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2 PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE 3
FOLLOW
CHRONICLE

THE CEO’S VIII TOUR CHRONICLE

THE ACTION!
VISMA SKI CLASSICS VIII is around the corner, points will be awarded the male and female skiers
the new season includes several exciting news with the best time up the last notorious Cascata
including 11 instead of 13 events, a new bib, new uphill. A first season with a new bib is always a
competitions and an updated Play app. We have season of see and learn in order to find the right
also begun the strategic work in order to launch format, but the Lumberjack bib is here to stay!
the Visma Ski Classics 2.0 vision…
TOGETHER WITH OUR TITLE PARTNER
THE FIRST SEVEN SEASONS, Visma, we also continue to develop the
I-VII, saw a continuous growth trophy competition. Last season we
of events in order to find the Leg en da ry introduced Visma Nordic Trophy,
optimal amount and the setup awarded to the best athletes in
of Visma Ski Classics tour.
na me s suc h as the five Nordic events who took David Nilsson
Last season consisted of Ba ue r, Au kla nd an d place in the end of the season. CEO
13 events, after evaluating Bo ne r, no w get a bib The idea was to give skiers Visma Ski Classics
the feedback received we wh ich sui ts the ir that had a bad start of the sea-
decided that an optimal son due to; injury, illness or just
tour has between 10 and 12
ph ysi cal ski lls bad shape, the feeling that the
events. We want all Pro Teams pe rfe ctl y seasons is not over yet. For the
and their athletes to be present at upcoming season VIII we introduce
all events, and be able to perform at the Visma Alp Trophy, a natural step to
their highest potential. Long distance skiing accolade the skiers with a great shape in the
is a tough physical sport, where athletes also first part of the season as well.
need time to train - not only compete, in order
to survive the last part of the season, hence the WHEN WE DELIVERED the Ski Classics concept
decrease! back in 2011 it was based on a vision to build up
an undisputed world championship series in long
WHILE WE REDUCED the number of events, distance skiing. With this 1.0 vision delivered, it
we have added several news inside the tour. is time to once again lookin into the crystal ball
Firstly, we have gone back to the Pro Team and see the future. An exciting work has begun
Tempo format in the first event where all male in order to launch the 2.0 vision, staying in tune

JOIN
athletes in a Pro Team start together after being with time since; technology, behaviour and even
introduced. We have a change since last time climate is continuously changing. Without saying
the format were used in Season VI, now the too much the revamped Visma Ski Classics will
female athletes starts after the men, in a pursuit also speak to our recreational skiers, as the

THE CLUB!
where their start times are set depending on the concept is unique in having both Pro Team ath-
3rd male finishing the Pro Team Tempo. If a Pro letes and recreational skiers being part, creating
Team has more than one female skier, they start a health movement. The updated Visma Ski
together and may as well assist each other. The Classics Play app together with our homepage
final standing is decided by the first Pro Team and facebook site make the core of our digital

Exciting Features DOWNLOAD female athlete to cross the finish line. Finally we
believe we have found the right format for the
first event kicking of the season.
community, and they will develop…

SO FOLLOW US ON TOUR! by liking our face-


Live Center THE APP NOW! ANOTHER NEWS is the lumberjack patterned
book and JOIN THE MOVEMENT! By down-
loading our App, and let the next decades come
Season Pass Climb bib. Now we are ready to implement this
new leading jersey, which will be awarded to the
upon us, we are ready!

best uphill skier in the tour. Legendary names Yours Truly,


such as Bauer, Aukland and Boner, will get a bib The Chief of Command
which suits their physical skills perfectly. Maybe
the most exciting climb position is in Marcialonga,
where the climb points won’t be decided by the
first Pro Athletes passing the checkpoint- the
DISCOVER
24 VISMA
PRO SKIING
ALL
SKI CLASSICS
– SEASON
THEGUIDERACES,
OFFICIAL
VIII GUIDE VII
MAPS, STANDINGS, RANKING, PRO TEAMS PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE 5
AND ATHLETES FOR VISMA SKI CLASSICS SEASON VIII!
CONTENTS

VISMA SKI CLASSICS OFFICIAL GUIDE

EDITORIAL CONTENTS

Sandra Åhs Sivertsen, Editor in chief STARS/BIBS


Sponsorship Director of Visma Sandra Åhs Sivertsen
Ski Classics, has always had sandra.sivertsen@wsportsmedia.com
Champion Bib Favourites .. ............................................... 8
winter sports and cross country Sprint Bib Favourites . . ...................................................... 12
skiing in her life, growing up in Climb Bib Favourites......................................................... 14
the Swedish skiresort Sälen.
Her passion for marketing,
Youth Bib Favourites ........................................................ 16
content and the value sport Pro Team Favourites ........................................................ 18
business puts to a brand’s
identity have been the core
drive throughout her career.
Tord Asle Gjerdalen . . ....................................................... 20
Norgren vs Smutna .. ......................................................... 22
Jersey winners .................................................................... 24
Teemu Virtanen, with a Writer 10 reasons for Cross Country Skiing ..................... 26
Hollywood background, Teemu Virtanen Långloppens utveckling. . ............................................... 28
works as a journalist, TV teemu.virtanen@vo2.fi
producer & host, sports
Two Short Questions.. ....................................................... 31
commentator and speaker.
He is a former .national team EVENTS
member of Finland’s long Contents . . ................................................................................ 33
distance ski team and a
contender in the 24h world Map: The VIII Tour............................................................. 34
record attempt in april 2018. Pro Team Tempo. . ............................................................... 36
Sgambeda............................................................................... 38
Kaiser Maximilian Lauf.................................................... 42
COURSE PROFILE La Diagonela ......................................................................... 42
Erik Wickström works as Writer
a journalist, photographer, Erik Wickström Marcialonga . . ......................................................................... 44
coach, instructor, lecturer erik@dinkondition.se Toblach-Cortina .. ................................................................ 46
and he is the author of the Jizerská 50............................................................................. 48
popular Swedish book
“Längdskidåkning för dig”. Vasaloppet ............................................................................. 50
Eriks’ best race in Visma Ski Birkebeinerrennet.............................................................. 52
Classics is 25th place at Reistadløpet.. ......................................................................... 54
Vasaloppet 2014. He is a
contender in the 24h world Ylläs-Levi................................................................................. 56
record attempt in april 2018.
Silly Season Teams............................................................ 58
Silly Season Changes. . ..................................................... 60
Magnus Östh is a highly Photograph
respected sport and Magnus Östh
architecture photograph with magnus.osth@wsportsmedia.com
PRO TEAMS
a vast portfolio including Contents . . ................................................................................ 63
ELLE Deco, Plaza and Wall- Top 10 Pro Teams .............................................................. 64
paper. He is a former snow-
boarder and is still often
Pro Teams 11-28 .................................................................. 76
found rolling a longboard
in the urban streets of STATS & FACTS
Stockholm or surfing a Competitions ........................................................................ 86
wave in Biarritz.
Points and Price Money.................................................. 87
Sprints ...................................................................................... 87
An Ordinary Day is a design Art Directors Ranking .................................................................................... 98
agency founded in 2006 by Pernilla Roos & Jorunn Grasmyr Historic Events . . .................................................................. 90
Pernilla Roos and Jorunn An Ordinaray Day Historic Competition Winners .................................... 91
Grasmyr. This creative duo studio@anordinaryday.se
has designed the Pro Skiing Top 3 at Events ................................................................... 92
Magazine as well as the Event Winners .. .................................................................... 96
Season VIII collectors posters Legends ................................................................................... 96
for Visma Ski Classics, Kaiser
Maximilian Lauf, Toblach-
Cortina and Ylläs-Levi. MEDIA
Live TV Broadcast Timing ........................................... 98

PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE 7


HERTZ CHAMPION BIB FAVOURITES MEN

CHAMPION BIB FAVOURITES MEN

VISMA SKI CLASSICS OFFICIAL GUIDE

CHAMPION BIB
FAVOURITES BY ERIK WICKSTRÖM

TORD ASLE ANDREAS ILYA STIAN OSKAR


GJERDALEN NYGAARD CHERNOUSOV HOELGAARD KARDIN
Team Santander Team Santander Bauer Ski Team Team United Bakeries Team Santander

Few skiers can double The two-time sprint With bronze medals The two-time youth With five races top
pole better in long bib winner is not only in both the Olympics bib winner from eight, Oskar Kardin
uphills than the three- able to win intermedi- and in the World Norway has still not is now ready to be a
time Marcialonga ate sprints. Last sea- Championships, the won his first event. solid podium skier.
winner Tord Asle son was a true break- 31-year-old Russian Stian Hoelgaard was The Swede was third
Gjerdalen. And few through for Nygaard, was an interesting in third place four in Årefjällsloppet
skiers can stick to a who lives in the addition to Visma Ski times this winter and after an amazing
back (often Petter northernmost Norway. Classics last season. finished fourth in the herringboning sprint.
Eliassen’s) like him. He was victorious Ilya Chernousov overall standings. Oskar was also second
The Norwegian with in Vasaloppet China participated in all When Team Lease- in the Youth compe-
the aviator glasses and Kaiser Maximilian thirteen events except Plan retired as a team tition. Now he is the
has the last three Lauf and he was a few from Vasaloppet he was welcome to only non-Norwegian
years been 3rd, 2nd centimeters to reach China and his results Team United Bakeries. on Team Santanter
and 1st, respectively, his biggest goal – to were like the course As a junior, Stian and needs to prove
in the Hertz Champion win Vasaloppet. Now profile in Reistad- didn’t have any re- that he belongs to
competition. Each when Petter Eliassen løpet – up and down. sults to speak about. the best. Oskar had
year he wins more is absent the cruise He won La Diagonela He is a late bloomer a hard time in hilly
individual events, so speed in the races and was second in that has shown no races like Jizerska,
he is the guy to beat. will be lower, which Sgambeda, but in a signs to wilt. Stian is Birkebeinerrennet
He recently got his implies that more couple of races he usually best in flat and Reistadløpet
second kid, which has races probably end up was outside top 20. races and he needs to last season. To reach
complicated things in a sprint. That could Now he has more be a better climber to the top in the Hertz
in terms of training. make Nygaard the experience and he reach the podium in Champion competi-
Could that stop him? Visma Ski Classics will probably largely the Hertz Champion tion that’s his area of
Champion. improve his eighth competition. improvements.
place in the overall
standings.

The Hertz champion competition is calculated from the finishes in the NAME NAT. DOB HEIGHT WEIGHT TEAM RANKING

individual events. The 60 fastest women and men get points. The yellow bib Tord Asle Gjerdalen NOR 08/03/1983 180 cm 69 kg Team Santander 1

is the most prestigious one you can get. Yellow bib holders (the current Andreas Nygaard NOR 11/22/1990 193 cm 88 kg Team Santander 5
Ilya Chernousov RUS 08/07/1986 175 cm 72 kg Bauer Ski Team 14
leaders) are permitted to use a yellow race suit and hat. Stian Hoelgaard NOR 09/25/1991 176 cm 74 kg Team United Bakeries 2
Oskar Kardin SWE 01/13/1992 185 cm 80 kg Team Santander 21

8 PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE 9
HERTZ CHAMPION BIB FAVOURITES WOMEN

CHAMPION BIB FAVOURITES WOMEN

CHECK OUT
BRITTA JOHANSSON KATERINA KARI VIKHAGEN ASTRID SARA
NORGREN SMUTNA GJEITNES ØYRE SLIND LINDBORG
Lager 157 Ski Team Bauer Ski Team Team Santander Team United Bakeries Team Serneke

Last season Britta Just like Britta One of the most The Norwegian that In 2016, the Swede
Johansson Norgren Johansson Norgren, interesting newcomers almost always roll up Sara Lindborg was
won Sgambeda, the Czech star is in Visma Ski Classics the sleeves on her fourth overall in her
Vasaloppet and entering her fourth season VIII is Kari race suit had an first full Visma Ski
Årefjällsloppet, and season of Visma Ski Vikhagen Gjeitnes. awesome season in Classics season. Last
became Visma Ski Classics. Katerina The 32-year-old 2017, with five visits winter she reached
Classics’ Champion. Smutna won the over- Norwegian tried her on the podium. Now the same position, but
She also won the all title in 2016 and wings in the circuit she aims to win she reduced the gap
green Sprint bib and had a great season in last winter and Vasaloppet and to to third place. Sara
the Visma Nordic 2017 when she won finished 7th, 5th, 3rd, become the Visma Ski visited the podium
Trophy. Of course five events in a row. 4th in Marcialonga, Classics Champion. five times, mostly in
she is a favourite to If she keeps healthy Birkebeinerrennet, That is high goals, relatively flat races.
win the yellow bib and free of injuries, Årefjällsloppet but possible. Astrid To get closer to the
for the third time in Britta certainly must and Reistadløpet, Øyre Slind is taking yellow bib she needs
a row. But she was watch out. Smutna respectively. She steps each year and to perform better
outsprinted by has transferred to could definitely win a is ready to climb up in the events with
Katerina Smutna Bauer Ski Team, few hilly races. If the to the highest level. big climbs. Sara has
in five consecutive where she will be Aukland brothers help Astrid is training with not performed great
events. The strong the one collecting her with double poling her male teammates in the rollerski events
double poler from most points. Smutnas in the flats Kari is for in Trondheim and had during the summer,
Sweden also needs strengths are uphills sure able to be on a few strong roller- but we should not
to watch out for Kari and the sprints in the the podium when the ski races during the worry too much.
Vikhagen Gjeitnes. end of the races. Hertz Champion com- summer.
Maybe Britta is urged petition is summed
to put on kick wax in up in April.
the hilly races to be
able to win the Cham-
pion title again?

NAME NAT. DOB HEIGHT WEIGHT TEAM RANKING

Britta Johansson Norgren SWE 03/30/1983 170 cm 66 kg Lager 157 Ski Team 1
Katerina Smutna AUT 06/13/1983 171 cm 60 kg Bauer Ski Team 2
Kari Vikhagen Gjeitnes NOR 01/13/1985 174 cm 60 kg Team Santander 14
Astrid Øyre Slind
Sara Lindborg
NOR
SWE
02/09/1988
11/30/1983
174 cm
172 cm
62 kg
62 kg
Team United Bakeries
Team Serneke
3
4
AVAILABLE TO ORDER ONLINE
10 PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE WWW.VISMASKICLASSICS.COM PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE 11
SPRINT BIB FAVOURITES WOMEN & MEN

SPRINT BIB FAVOURITES WOMEN & MEN

VISMA SKI CLASSICS OFFICIAL GUIDE BRITTA JOHANSSON ANTON

SPRINT BIB
NORGREN KARLSSON
Lager 157 Ski Team Lager 157 Ski Team

FAVOURITES BY ERIK WICKSTRÖM


Since she is almost
always in the leading
group, it is likely that
With only four races
– all outside top 20
in the result lists –
Britta Johansson Anton Karlsson might
Norgren will take nu- not scare anybody.
merous sprint points. But the Swede proved
Britta loves the LINA to be a great sprinter MORTEN ERMIL
intermediate sprints KORSGREN and was in fourth EIDE PEDERSEN VOKUEV
and she prioritises Åre Längdskidklubb place in the competi- Team BN Bank Russian Marathon
to collect points for tion for the green bib.
the team competi- Now he will do a full
tion. She is a strong After a successful season and he has a Since he raced Visma The Russian Ermil
contender to win the season of 2016, we great chance to win! Ski Classics already Vokuev had a grand
sprint bib again. put Lina Korsgren as the opening year of entrance in Visma
a contender for top 2011, Morten Eide Ski Classics when he
ASTRID three in the overall Pedersen is certain- was fourth in Jizerska
ØYRE SLIND standings for 2017. ly one of the most 2017. He only did
Team United Bakeries But she didn’t reach experienced skiers in one more race, 18th
our and her high the peloton. Morten in Ylläs-Levi. Still he
expectations due to is not afraid of either gathered 80 points
Last season, Astrid health problems. Now breakaways or sprint- from the intermediate
Øyre Slind was fourth she is on a new team ing hard in the middle sprints. It will most
in the sprint competi- and full of motivation of the race. Last year likely be many more
tion. She gets better for collecting points, he was second in the this season.
every year and it is a both for the yellow sprint competition.
good guess that she and the green
will try harder in the bib.
intermediate sprints. ”M or ten
Since Astrid has a
medal in team sprint
Eid e Pe de rse n is
from Norwegian ce rta inl y on e of th e
Nationals with her mo st ex pe rie nc ed
twin sister, she appar-
ently has the speed,
sk ier s in th e
at least for a long pe lot on ”
sprint.

MEN NAME NAT. DOB HEIGHT WEIGHT TEAM RANKING

Anton Karlsson SWE 01/29/1990 183 cm 79 kg Lager 157 Ski Team 54


The green sprint bib is worn by the female and male with the most current Morten Eide Pedersen NOR 12/18/1987 174 cm 74 kg Team BN Bank 3
sprint points. There are 0, 1 or 2 intermediate sprints in each event. The ten Ermil Vokuev RUS 03/29/1992 180 cm 77 kg Russian Marathon Team 43
fastest male and five fastest female split times at the sprint lines will get WOMEN
Britta Johansson Norgren SWE 03/30/1983 170 cm 66 kg Lager 157 Ski Team 1
points. Green bib holders are permitted to use a green race suit and hat.  Astrid Øyre Slind NOR 02/09/1988 174 cm 62 kg Team United Bakeries 3
Lina Korsgren SWE 01/�7/1988 165 cm 52 kg Åre Längdskidklubb 6

12 PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE 13
CLIMB BIB FAVOURITES MEN & WOMEN

”T he 20 14
CLIMB BIB FAVOURITES WOMEN & MEN Ma rci alo ng a
wi nn er de fin itl y
kn ow s ho w to
KARI VIKHAGEN LUKAS
VISMA SKI CLASSICS OFFICIAL GUIDE
GJEITNES BAUER cli mb , ma yb e all

CLIMB BIB Team Santander Bauer Ski Team th e wa y to th e


to p? ”

FAVOURITES BY ERIK WICKSTRÖM


With strong results
in the hilly races last
year, Kari Vikhagen
The multiple Olympic
medallist Lukas Bauer
has two times won
Gjeitnes can be the Tour de Ski, where
first one to win the the last stage is a
lumberjack bib. We climb to the top of
will find out how pres- SERAINA SIMEN an alpine ski slope.
tigious the jersey will BONER ØSTENSEN Lukas is now the
be, but a good guess Skigo XC Team  Team BN Bank biggest fan of kick
is that there are some wax in the peleton.
women who all want It doesn’t surprise
to be the historic She won the overall After a season full anyone that his (by
winner. title in 2011, 2013 and of sickness in 2016, far) best result last
2014, and she was Simen Østensen was season was in the
placed 2nd in 2015 back in business last most hilly race,
ASTRID and 2016 and 3rd in season. He visited Reistadløpet, where
ØYRE SLIND 2012, which by far the podium twice, he was fourth.
Team United Bakeries makes her the most in the hilly events
merited Visma Ski Birkebeinerrennet ANDERS
Classics skier on and Reistadløpet. The AUKLAND
She can perform well the women’s side. Marcialonga winner of Team Santander
in both hilly and flat In numerous events 2014 definitely knows
races. In the events through the years, how to climb. Maybe
where the check- Seraina Boner has all the way to the top? The 45-year-old leg-
points are late in the won races simply by end Anders Aukland
race, Astrid Øyre striding away from doesn’t need an ex-
Slind may be tough to her opponents in tensive presentation.
outperform. Will she the uphills. But does He is still at an im-
waste some energy she still have that pressive level, which
for the checkpoints capacity? he showed by winning
or get ready for the Årefjällsloppet and
sprint to the finish being the runner
line? up in Reistadløpet.
The lumberjack bib
is probably the only
individual jersey he
could win.

WOMEN NAME NAT. DOB HEIGHT WEIGHT TEAM RANKING

Kari Vikhagen Gjeitnes NOR 01/13/1985 174 cm 60 kg Team Santander 14


The new lumberjack bib is worn by the female and male with the most current Seraina Boner SUI 04/11/1982 170 cm 58 kg Skigo XC Team 5
climb points. There are 0, 1 or 2 climb checkpoints in each event. The ten first Astrid Øyre Slind NOR 02/09/1988 174 cm 62 kg Team United Bakeries 3
men and five first women at the checkpoints will get points. Lumberjack bib MEN
Simen Østensen NOR 08/04/1984 189 cm 84 kg Team BN Bank 16
holders are permitted to use a red and black-patterned race suit and hat.  Lukas Bauer CZE 08/18/1977 181 cm 74 kg Bauer Ski Team 28
WOMEN 1-50
COLOUR: 100% BLACK
PMS 49-16 C
MEN number of bibs: 240
COLOUR: 100% BLACK
PMS 49-16 C
Anders Aukland NOR 09/12/1972 179 cm 69 kg Team Santander 4
Vest should be printed in 50 ex, Vest should be printed in 240ex,
each with a number from 1-50. according to numbers in separate mail
RO GPS POCKET 110mm x 70mm (Like we always do) WITH CLOSABLE VELCRO GPS POCKET 110mm x 70mm (Like we always do)

14 PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE 15
YOUTH BIB FAVOURITES MEN & WOMEN

”A fte r
wi nn ing the
YOUTH BIB FAVOURITES WOMEN & MEN yo uth com pe tit ion
in 20 17 , Ev eli na
VISMA SKI CLASSICS OFFICIAL GUIDE
SVENJA OSKAR Bå ng ma n is ex pe cte d
HOELZLE

YOUTH BIB
KARDIN
Team Synnfjell Team Santander
to rep ea t he r
ac hie ve me nt”

FAVOURITES BY ERIK WICKSTRÖM


Since she is born
in 1995, the Swiss
Svenja Hoelzle has a
Now, when Stian
Hoelgaard is too old,
Oskar Kardin is a big
few more years in the favourite to win the
youth category. Svenja pink bib. Oskar is
races for a Norwegian doing his last season
EVELINA team and she had OSCAR in the youth category
BÅNGMAN some tight battles PERSSON and he wants that
Ski Team Mäenpää with Evelina Bångman Lager 157 Ski Team bib. Could maybe his
last season. Could she namesake from Swe-
get her revenge? den challenge him?
After winning the The 25-year-old
youth competition in JESSICA Swede Oscar Persson ERMIL
2017, Evelina Bångman WIRTH had a solid season VOKUEV
is expected to repeat Team Forever Nordic last year, with many Russian
her achievement. As results around 15th. Marathon Team
late as in October, His best race was
she transferred to Ski The German Jessica Vasaloppet China,
Team Mäenpää when Wirth participated in where he has fourth. In 2017, Ermil Vokuev
Team SkiProAm re- five events last sea- Oscar was third in the wasn’t better than
signed as a Pro Team. son, which rendered youth competition last eleventh in the youth
Evelina’s best individu- top 20 three times. If year and have a good category. But since
al result is tenth place she does a full season chance to top that. he only did two races
in La Diagonela and she has the chance – on of them fourth
Marcialonga, both in to reach the podium place in Jizerska – he
2017. in the youth category. has shown that he
Jessica participated could win the pink bib.
at Junior World Ski Oskar and Oscar need
Championships in to watch out!
2014.

WOMEN NAME NAT. DOB HEIGHT WEIGHT TEAM RANKING

Evelina Bångman SWE 03/19/1992 175 cm 60 kg Ski Team Mäenpää 11


The pink youth bib is given to the best female and male athlete of age 26 Svenja Hoelzle SUI 11/10/1995 152 cm 50 kg Team Synnfjell 13
or below. The age of the athlete is determined by the year the Visma Ski Jessica Wirth GER 08/21/1994 178 cm 68 kg Team Forever Nordic 22
Classics final take place. Points from the Hertz Champion competition are MEN
Oscar Persson SWE 09/19/1992 183 cm 75 kg Lager 157 Ski Team 19
used. Youth bib holders are permitted to use a pink race suit. Oskar Kardin SWE 01/13/1992 185 cm 80 kg Team Santander 21
Ermil Vokuev RUS 03/29/1992 180 cm 75 kg Russian Marathon Team 43

16 PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE 17
PRO TEAM FAVOURITES

PRO TEAM FAVOURITES

VISMA SKI CLASSICS OFFICIAL GUIDE

PRO TEAM
FAVOURITES BY ERIK WICKSTRÖM

TEAM LAGER 157 SKI TEAM BAUER RUSSIAN


SANTANDER TEAM UNITED BAKERIES SKI TEAM MARATHON TEAM
Norway Sweden Norway Czech Republic Russia

Since the start of With a great second Stian Hoelgaard The team stems The all-Russian team,
Visma Ski Classics in place in the team (previously Team from Team Pioneer Russian Marathon
2011, Team Santander competition last year, LeasePlan) has Investments, with Team, was eighth in
(previously Team Lager 157 Ski Team joined Team United stars like Ilya the team competition
Xtra Personell and doesn’t change much Bakeries. They have Chernousov and last season. They
Team Centric) has in their squad, which also recruited Torleif Barbara Jezersek. didn’t have any true
won the team com- is lead by Visma Ski Syrstad from Team Last year they were stars on the team,
petition every year Classics champion Synnfjell, who was seventh in the team but maybe Ermil
except from 2014. Britta Johansson 8th in Marcialonga competition, but a Vokuev can spice up
Now the team has Norgren. They only last season. Masako good guess is that the result lists. The
lost their two female have one addition Ishida, Chris Jesp- they will improve that team will not reach
skiers Justyna to the team. Anton ersen and Johan position since they the podium in the
Kowalczyk and Karlsson raced some Kjølstad are not part now have Katerina team competition,
Katerina Smutna. Visma Ski Classics of the team anymore. Smutna on the team. but they can be top
Instead they put all events for the team Masako will focus Also, Chernousov five if they watch out
their eggs in one last year and proved on the Olympics will probably collect for teams such as
basket and trust their to be a great sprin- and Chris is hired as more points the sea- Team Trentino
recruit Kari Vikhagen ter. Now he is an a squire for Petter son of 2018 since he Robinson Trainer,
Gjeitnes. On the important part of the Northug. After many has more experience Team Serneke and
men’s side, they have team and his goal stunning years in from long distance Team BN Bank.
lost Snorri Einars- is to win the green the circuit, Johan skiing. The team’s
son, Jens Eriksson sprint bib. decided to retire in result is also depen-
and Johan Olsson. October. John Kris- dent on how well
Instead Oskar Kardin, tian Dahl and Astrid team director Lukas
previously Team Øyre Slind need to Bauer performs.
Serneke, is new on ski well if the team
the team. A good wants to keep their
”Jo hn Kr ist ian
guess is yet another third place. Da hl an d As tri d
victory. Øy re Sli nd ne ed to
sk i we ll if the tea m
The pro team competition is determined by adding the champion wa nts to ke ep the ir
points from the pro team’s two best male athletes, the best female thi rd pla ce”
athlete, the total sprint, the total climb points and the total youth
points in each event.

18 PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE 19
INTERVIEW TORD ASLE GJERDALEN

TORD ASLE GJERDALEN NAME


Tord Asle Gjerdalen

– MEETS COMPETITION AT HOME BORN


August 3rd, 1983
LIVES
Grefsenkollen,
Oslo, Norway
OCCUPATION
Cross country skier
FAMILY
Wife and two kids,
4 and 0,5 years old
TEAM
Team Santander
RESULTS LONG
DISTANCE SKIING
Visma Ski Classics
Champion in 2017.
1st La Sgambeda,
Marcialonga and
Toblach-Cortina in
2017. 1st Marcialonga
and Toblach-Cortina
in 2016. 1st Marcia-
longa in 2015
Birkebeinerrennet – are equally prestigious. If I ing he initially doesn’t understand the question. RESULTS
am able to pick between winning Marcialonga For him, it is so assumed to ski. TRADITIONAL SKIING
for the fourth time or to win Vasaloppet for the – How can you not ski? I am doing what I World Champion-
first time it is difficult to choose. love every day. I enjoy different workouts and ships: Two gold
AFTER SEVERAL INTENSE BATTLES WITH PETTER ELIASSEN, THE TEAM SANTANDER to set up goals and try to reach them. There medals in relay and
SKIER WITH THE AVIATOR SUNGLASSES ENDED UP AS THE VISMA SKI CLASSICS CHAM- Differences with Eliassen are so many areas where there is room for bronze in both 50
Several races the last two years have ended up improvements, such as training, tactics and km skate and 15 km
PION. TORD ASLE GJERDALEN IS NOW FACING A BIGGER CHALLENGE IN TRAINING, skate. Olympics:
as a battle between Petter Eliassen and Tord getting energy during the races. If I would get
SINCE HE RECENTLY GOT ANOTHER KID. Asle. Now Petter has resigned. Or? satisfactory payed I would probably race even Participated 2006,
Text: Erik Wickström – Of course I will miss him. We have had tough I wasn’t fighting for victories. 2010 and 2014, with

W
some fun duels, both the ones I won and the 15th place in 50 km
e reach Tord in October. On the at home and because our older child doesn’t ones I lost. But I don’t think we have seen him 1 or 10 more years skate as the best
question “How is your training want me to leave. Luckily we get help from raced his last event on an elite level. I hope, and As 34 years old, Tord Asle has more than a result
going?” he had a distinct answer. relatives. think, he will participate in a few competitions decade to go as a long distance skier. At least if BEST WORKOUT
– Not that great actually. I this season. It is not too late to start training we use teammate Anders Aukland as a yardstick. Don’t have a specific
have been sick for three consecutive weeks. Six victories now in October. – Anders is awesome. He motivates me and one
That is a fast way to get out of shape. Tord Tord Asle has had a great development Petter and Tord Asle have a completely he makes an imprint on the whole Visma Ski WORST WORKOUT
Asle says that after an untoward spring, through his three years in the Visma Ski different way to race. And they don’t have the Classics society. But in my case I don’t have Rollerskiing and
“My goal is training has been okay during summer
and early autumn. But there is a big
Classics circuit. In 2015 he was third overall,
in 2016 he was second and last season he
same strengths and weaknesses.
– Petter is tough. He sets up a pace and just
a clue. I might race for one or ten more years.
Right now I feel satisfied with the team and
biking in rain

to win large challenge now that wasn’t present at became the Visma Ski Classics Champion. keeps going. No sudden increase in speed. It is the lifestyle.
ski races, rather this time last year.
– In May we got our second kid and I
He has also increased number of victories in
single events per season. From one, to two,
impressive. He is doing what you think is impos-
sible. My strength is to stick to a back. And I am
Tord Asle is since several years done with
medical school. But that is not equal with
than many” have a hard time getting the work done. to three. better than Petter to relax in a big group and to working as a general practitioner at the local
I am more needed at home, I sleep less – That is some sweet statistics! It will be manoeuvre in the field in the end of the races. hospital after his career.
during nights and our 4-year-old is aware awesome in ten years, haha. My goal is to – I don’t know what to work with in future,
of that I leave for camps. It is harder for me to win large ski races, rather than many. For me “How can you not ski?” but of course I would like to use what I have
travel now, both because I am needed hands-on “the big three” – Vasaloppet, Marcialonga and When Tord Asle gets asked about why he is ski- learned from being a professional skier.

20 PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE 21
INTERVIEW JOHANSSON NORGREN

BRITTA JOHANSSON NORGREN


– Next season, in contrary to this, I will be
prepared mentally and equipment-wise to
put on kickwax in some races, Britta says. It
– WANTS TO WIN ALL ELEVEN EVENTS! depends on the snow conditions. If the tempera-
ture is stable, it is more favourably with kickwax
in a race like Reistadsløpet.

Deeper field
The women’s category was a lot about Britta
and Katerina last season. Now Britta thinks it will
be more crowded in the leading group in the end
of the races.
to don’t care about the result there and focus on – The fights with Katerina has been great and
BORN Vasaloppet instead. It worked! But Smutna got I think a lot about her while training. I think quite
March 30th 1983 problems in Vasaloppet, so unfortunately we did a bit of my opponents, about their strengths and
in Uppsala, Sweden not have a duel in Mora. weaknesses. It motivates me. Now I think we will
LIVES get some company up there, from Kari Vikhagen
In a house in Kickwax? Gjeitnes, Astrid Øyre Slind etc. For the total, I
Östersund, Sweden Britta is triggered by setting up high goals, like think the key is to race all events and to stay
winning Birkebeinerrennet without kickwax, as healthy.
OCCUPATION the first girl.
Cross country skier. – I also have a crazy thought about winning Language barrier
Occasionally ski
all eleven races in Visma Ski Classics. I mean, One could wonder how well Britta and Katerina
instructor
why not? Katerina Smutna won five races in a know each other on a personal level.
FAMILY row. So eleven should be possible. – I don’t speak Czech or German, and Kat-
Married to Jonas Last season, Britta double poled all races. erina doesn’t speak Swedish or English, so it
Johansson, coach for Katerina used kickwax in Kaiser Maximilian Lauf, is somewhat difficult to communicate. It would
the biathlon guys at Birkebeinerrennet and Reistadløpet. have been fun to get to know each other more.
the US national team.
Daughter Emilia,
born in November
THE MOST INTERESTING DUEL IN VISMA SKI CLASSICS MIGHT BE 2011 NORGREN VS SMUTNA
THE ONE BETWEEN BRITTA JOHANSSON NORGREN (LAGER 157 SKI TEAM
TEAM) OCH KATERINA SMUTNA (BAUER SKI TEAM). WE HAVE SPOKEN Lager 157 Ski Team

TO BRITTA ABOUT THE RELATIONSHIP WITH HER ANTAGONIST. TRAINING VOLUME


Text: Erik Wickström 700 hours last year,
750 hours this year

L
BRITTA JOHANSSON NORGREN KATERINA SMUTNA
ast season Britta won Sgambeda, Vasa- few more individual victories in Visma Ski Clas- RESULTS
loppet and Årefjällsloppet, and became sics, whereas Britta has one more overall title. TRADITIONAL SKIING
the Visma Ski Classics Champion. She – We are both from the World Cup circuit 11th 10 K classic and Country: Sweden Country: Czech Republic
also won the green sprint bib and the and I think we have about the same high 4th relay, Olympics Team: Lager 157 Ski Team Team: Bauer Ski Team
2006. 14th sprint Born: March 30th 1983 Born: June 13th 1983
Visma Nordic Trophy.
But in events where Britta and Katerina
level of endurance. That might be an
advantage compared to the other girls.
“I got stuck in a classic, Olympics Height: 170 cm Height: 171 cm
Smutna found themselves neck to neck in the But we race very differently. I like to set situation where 2014. Two relay
medals at the World
Weight: 66 kg Weight: 60 kg
end of the race, Katerina was almost unbeat- up a high speed, while Katerina doesn’t I thought “I don’t Championships
Children: 1 Children: 0
able. In five consecutive events, the Czech from go that hard when she is in front. Skis: Fischer Skis: Fischer
Bauer Ski Team outsprinted the Swede from Britta admits that it was mental-
want to be second Boots: Fischer Boots: Alpina
Lager 157 Ski Team. ly challenging to be outsprinted five again” Poles: Swix Poles: Leki
events in a row. Best Individual Result in the World Cup: Best individual result in the World Cup:
Similar background – Yes, that wasn’t great for the confidence. 4th (three times in sprint) 4th (two times in sprint)
There are many similarities between Britta and Also, I had some problems with my arms in the Number of ”full” seasons in VSC: 3 Number of ”full” seasons in VSC: 3
Katerina. Both are born in 1983. They differ one end of the races. It didn’t help me. I got stuck in a Victories in single events: 8 Victories in single events:
centimetre in height. They both race on Fischer situation where I thought “I don’t want to be sec- Winner of VSC champion: (overall title) 2 10 (12 if the prologue is included)
skis. Their best result in the World Cup is fourth ond again”. In Jizerska I managed to break out VSC races with kickwax last year: 0 Winner of VSC champion: (overall title) 1
place, in sprint for both of them. Smutna has a from that type of psychology. I convinced myself VSC races with kickwax last year: 3

22 PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE 23
INTERVIEW BIB WINNER SPRINT AND YOUTH

”My time in the green bib EVELINA BÅNGMAN Team Määenpää – Winner of the Youth competition

 is most certainly over” You just did your first full Visma Ski Classics season, which
rendered the pink bib. What has that meant to your career?
– It was a new experience for me going from traditional to long dis-
tances last season. It was inspiring to chase the youth jersey during
Britta Johansson Norgren (Lager 157 Ski Team), Andreas Nygaard (Team Santander), all races. I also got some attention from the city of Östersund after
Evelina Bångman (Team SkiProAm) and Stian Hoelgaard (Team LeasePlan) all won a winning the pink bib and I hope that it can inspire other girls to try
long distance skiing. To me as youngster in this context it means a
jersey last season. Here are three short questions to each skier. DOB lot that there is a youth category that gives attention to new skiers
Text: Erik Wickström 1992/03/19 in Visma Ski Classics. 
WEIGHT
60 kg How is it to be on Team Mäenpää?
BRITTA JOHANSSON NORGREN Lager 157 Ski Team – Winner of the Sprint competition HEIGHT – I am truly excited to race together with Team Mäenpää. It is a strong
178 cm team and it will be inspiring to be part of a larger team than I was last
How important is the green sprint bib for you? season.
– For me personally, it is not that important compared to the yellow
jersey. But since it gives points for the team competition, it is an essential You have yet another year to fight for the pink jersey. Is that your main
part of Visma Ski Classics. ”Of course I will defend goal for the season or is it more to improve your tenth place as the best
individual result?
Will you try to win it again? the pink bib!” – My main goal this season is to take bigger steps in the total and
– I didn’t have a goal to win the sprint jersey last season, but it was so to improve my previous result. And of course I will defend the pink
DOB much fun with the intermediate sprints so I gave it a chance. We will se bib! My training has gone well this summer and I am looking forward
1983/03/30 what happens this season… to the races!
WEIGHT
66 kg Do you think it should be more or fewer sprints in races?
HEIGHT – I think the sprint schedule for this season looks good. I also think it
170 cm is great that more skiers get awarded. The sprint and climbing compe-
titions are both smart ways to make the races more exciting, both for
athletes and spectators. STIAN HOELGAARD Team United Bakeries – Winner of the Youth competition
Have you enjoyed the feeling of being the best youth skier in
Visma Ski Classics during the summer?
ANDREAS NYGAARD Team Santander – Winner of the Sprint competition – One of my biggest goals last season was to win the youth bib, so it
feels great to have done that two consecutive years. Now I am too old
Last year you answered ”...since I won it last year, I now can focus on and it is time to fight for other jerseys, preferable yellow!
other stuff…” on the question whether you were interested in the green
sprint bib again. But still you won it. What about this season? How has your training been going since May? Was it easy to find
– My time in the green is most certain over. I am too old and slow now, DOB a new team when Team LeasePlan retired?
and it also takes a lot of energy. But you never know in skiing, it does not 1991/09/25 – It has been okay. I had a tough start in May, but since the summer
always go as you plan.  WEIGHT months it has been going great. My results in the rollerski races haven’t
68 kg been good, but I hope for better times during winter. It wasn’t that easy
DOB How has your training been going since May? HEIGHT
to find a new team, but I am happy I got a spot on Team United Bakeries.
1990/11/22 – For the first time ever I have been healthy since May. Hopefully that will 165 cm It is an inspiring team.
WEIGHT continue. I have had some minor injuries and periods where I have been
88 kg tired. I haven’t felt great in training yet, but my plan is to feel good in the What is your goal for this season?
winter, not in the summer.  – To win a race in Visma Ski Classics. I have visited the podium several
”I will try to conquer the
HEIGHT
193 cm times, but I have never won. I will try to conquer the victory in all events,
What is your goal for this season? but if I need to pick one I would say Vasaloppet. Another goal is to per-
– Last season was incredible for me. My body and my mind worked really victory in all events” form well in the total. But then you need to be healthy, which always is
well the whole season. You always plan to improve and get stronger, a challenge. Anyway I look forward to start the season!
”Too old and slow...” but I think I overdid myself a bit last year. Even though it will be hard to
copy that, I still want to keep fighting for victories and try to get on the
podium in the total as well.

24 PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE 25
10 REASONS FOR CROSS COUNTRY SKIING

10 REASONS …BETTER FLEXIBILITY


Unless you only double pole,
cross-country skiing is like a

TO SKI
dynamic stretching for your entire
body. Just try some striding and
Of course Pro Skiing thinks cross- you will understand what we
country skiing is the best activity in mean!
the world. If you are not yet convinced,
here are some arguments. …THE POSSIBILITY TO
SET INSPIRING GOALS

YOU WILL GET… Use your cross-country ski training as


a platform to set up goals, like a race, to
become stronger, to improve your health
or to spend more time outside. It is a great
feeling to set up a goal and reach it.

… A FULL BODY WORKOUT …REASONS TO TRAVEL


Few – or none – other endurance sports There are eleven Visma Ski Classics
involve so many muscle groups as cross- events, all taking place at great ski
country skiing. You will get the perfect resort. To enter a race or to sign up for
full body workout. Specifically, you will a ski camp is a great excuse for some
strengthen muscles such as triceps, abs, wonderful travelling.
back and hamstring.

…GREAT ENDURANCE …NEW STUFF


Cross-country skiers are always abun- Or at least you can choose to buy
dant in lists over athletes with the best equipment for your training. New
endurance in the world. So if you want training gear is a brilliant source for
to improve your VO2 max, this is the motivation.
activity for you.

…FANTASTIC VIEWS …BETTER BALANCE


Not every workout will be the most You spend lots of time on only one ski while
scenic, but you will get out in nature. training. This will improve your balance, no
And many times you will find beautiful matter your age.
places.

…NEW FRIENDS …HIGHER STATUS


The cross-country community is including. Good or bad, but to be a cross-country skier
It means that no matter your level as a is nowadays a status sign in several countri-
skier you will most probably make friends es. Many business executives are deep into
wherever you choose to work out. We are skiing, so don’t underestimate the importan-
all a big family! ce of your own commitment in the tracks.

26 PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE 27
INTERVIEW LONG DISTANCE SKIING

they put a lot of effort in exposing themselves in Ludwig Lauf, Vasaloppet, Birkebeinerrennet and

The
different countries. Norefjellrennet. Compared to the competitions in
FIS Marathon Cup, all events in Ski Classics have

Evolution
Long distance national team been in classic style.
From the mid 1980’s to the mid 1990’s, Sweden had – One of the most important parts of Visma
a national team for long distance skiing, most of Ski Classics is the uniformity, with the same
the time with Scania as main partner. types of start numbers, jerseys, starting
– I had about the same reimbursement as if I procedure, press conferences, graphics
had been on the national team skiing the world on the broadcasting, sponsors, team ”Th e sta tem en t”
cup. It wasn’t great, but enough to be a pro.
Sweden was not the only country with a long
guidelines etc. The framework for all
races are the same, which is appre-
is av ail ab le to
distance national team. It was common all around ciates both by the pro athletes and pu rch ase as ha ts

OF LONG DISTANCE SKIING


Europe. Today there is nothing like that. the spectators on site and in front an d shi rts at
– But already back then there were individual of the TV. We also have a limited ww w.xcsp ort s.s e
athletes outside the national team that were pro- number of races, so that all the best
fessional skiers with waxers, service personnel etc. athletes can participate in all races.
The big teams like now were absent. The sport
was not that team-orientated. Teams and double poling
The organisation of Ski Classics had a vision
Already in 1980’s, there were pro athletes doing long distance races all Sports with scenic views
At that time, only Vasaloppet was broadcasted on
already in 2008 about becoming the world champi-
onships for cross-country skiing.
over the world. But since that, the phenomenon has evolved. We have TV, if we exclude short TV spots. That is also the
reason why David Nilsson, founder of Ski Classics,
talked to Anders Blomquist and David Nilsson, both an integral part of started to sketch up his visions.
long distance skiing at different points view. – My dad has skied Vasaloppet more than ten
times and I always watch it when I was a kid, either
Text: Erik Wickström on site or on TV. Vasaloppet is deeply rooted in

A
many Swedes’ souls, not least because of the nice
NDERS BLOMQUIST, born in Today Anders works as interim CEO for a broadcasting. I thought it was strange that you
1960, was a member of the Swedish ski resort. He also has a role as expert couldn’t see the other long distance ski races on
Swedish National Team until the commentator at the Swedish national public TV TV, David Nilsson says.
mid 1980’s. After that he entirely broadcaster. David has always enjoyed nature documenta-
switch focus to long distance ski- ries. And road biking events.
ing. He enjoyed long racing times and masstart Customer events in Europe – I saw a great potential in combining sports
events that ended up with a sprint. When – The situation for us as long distance skiers 30 and scenic views. Tour de France is a good exam-
Anders competed there were no individual races years ago was better than one would think. I could ple, where the athletes transport themselves from
with masstart in the world cup. make a living out of just skiing, Anders Blomquist one point to another through wonderful land-
Anders turned out to be one of the most says. scapes. World Cup skiing could be interesting, but
successful long distance skiers ever. Except Scania, a major Swedish automotive indus- for me it is a stadium sport. It misses some import-
from Engadin Ski Marathon, he has won all try manufacturer, started to get interested in ant features for the audience. I wanted to create a
major events such as Vasaloppet, Marcialon- exposing their brand in long distance skiing. That winter trip around beautiful places in Europe.
ga, Birkebeinerrennet, König Ludwig Lauf, brought them into a partnership with the Swedish
Dolomitenlauf, La Transjurasienne, Finlandia, national team. That in turn initiated a national Uniformity important
Sapporo Ski Marathon, American Birkebeiner team for long distance skiing: Team Scania. After a few years with testing different ideas, the
and Gatineau Loppet. He is probably the one – Scania was one of the best sponsors I’ve ever concept was finally set for the season of 2011 – the
with most single titles. Two times he captured had. They were an essential part of the athletes’ premiere year of Ski Classics. Six races around
the trophy of FIS Marathon Cup (former name commitment to the sport. They would do cus- Europe, all entirely broadcasted on TV. The events
of FIS Worldloppet Cup). tomer events during the races out in Europe and the first year were Jizerska, Marcialonga, König

28 PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE 29
INTERVIEW 2 QUESTIONS
Break through for
1922 cross-country skis

2 Short
The first edition made of plastic.

Questions
of Vasaloppet, the The racing times
longest, oldest and became a lot better

IMPORTANT DATES IN most prestigious


event in Visma Ski
Classics
1974
compared to the
wooden era

THE HISTORY OF LONG Worldloppet was


1979
TO 5 CROSS COUNTRY SKIING ENTHUSIASTS
DISTANCE SKIING formed as a coop-
eration between
the long distance
First year skating
was prohibited in
1 WHAT IS THE BEST PART WITH CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING?
events around the 1987 Vasaloppet 2 WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE TO SKI?
world

My da d ha s – I think we have succeeded in that. 1997 PATRIK BAUER FRANZ FÖTTINGER


Now things really have settled. Visma The winning female Head of Production at IMG Media CEO Fischer
ski ed Va sal op pet Ski Classics have 28 pro teams and we receives awards
Jørgen Aukland
wins Marcialonga
mo re tha n ten tim es
an d I alw ays wa tch ed
have helped lots of skiers to become
professional. One thing that has
for the first time in
Vasaloppet
2003 without kickwax To maintain my general health. I
competed in long distance skiing in the
It is outside in the
nature and you can
evolved since 2011 is the passion for 90’s, but now I participate in the same have really nice
it wh en I wa s a kid ,
eit he r on sit e or
the team. Nils Marius Otterstad and
the Aukland brothers have been a
2007 event as a recreational skier.
There are many. I love the Norwegian
experiences with the
elements. It is a sport
on STV. role model for setting the value of the Xtra Personell was and the Swedish mountain ranges. And where you have to use
David Nilsson, team in front of individual performances, founded, the first the Alps. As a student I raced for a and activate almost the
founder of Ski Classics David Nilsson states. actual professional First season of university in the US, so I also enjoy the whole body (compared
Another thing that has changes since 2011 private long distance Ski Classics, with Rocky Mountains. to running or cycling).
is the double poling. In only a few years, almost ski team in Norway 2011 six events Difficult to say. There are so many nice
all pro athletes switched to race nearly all ELISABETH BERGER places. For me from central Europe it is always a
events without kickwax. That has affected the Sales Manager at Dagens Næringsliv special thing to ski in Scandinavia. The terrain
world cup, were it has become more common to there and the way the tracks are built allow
double pole classics races. 2013 I have done XC skiing my entire life and great skiing in many places. In Austria we have
– We can also see that athletes and teams people ask me why. For me, running and Seefeld and Ramsau as our hot spots. Toblach
Jørgen Aukland wins
are more willing to share information and inspi- skiing in nature is an important contrast to and Engadin are also really nice. To make a long
Vasaloppet without
ration regarding technique, waxing, equipment a stressful job and everyday life. I feel calm story short: no single favourite place!    
kickwax
and tactics. That makes the sport more avail-
able for the recreational skiers, which we will 2014 when I ski and as a bonus it keeps me in
good shape. Our three kids also seem to EMELIE ÖHRSTIG
put a bigger focus on from now on. Laila Kveli wins
One of the unique selling points for Visma Vasaloppet with- 2015 enjoy this great activity. I enjoy races,
mostly to meet other skiers and to enjoy
Former World Champion

Ski Classics is that elite skiers and amateur out kickwax Petter Eliassen the atmosphere. I enjoy the way you move and to be part of
skiers are on the same starting line. wins Birkebeiner- Nothing beat the area around our cabin the nature. To ski in beautiful surroundings is
– We want to make more out of that, to make
the events even more attractive for the recre- 2016 rennet without
kickwax
at Javnlia outside Beitostølen in Norway,
separated from all commerce. There are
balm for the soul. There is also something
appealing in the chase for the perfect technique.
ational skiers. I believe that we need and can Britta Johansson tons of great trails in the wilderness. Since Bruksvallarna, Orsa Grönklitt and Vemdalen,
Norgren wins
develop concepts around social media, apps,
videos, statistics, live feeds and other services. Marcialonga with- 2016 we live in Oslo, I also enjoy skiing at
Østmarka when there is enough of snow.
all in Sweden. They each have miles of well-
groomed trails, both hilly and flat ones.
out kickwax Petter Eliassen
Future of long distance skiing
Regarding the future of long distance skiing, Da-
2017 becomes the first
Visma Ski Classics ZACH CALDWELL
vid Nilsson is not afraid of mild winters anymore. Petter Eliassen champion without Professional Ski Waxer
The production of man-made snow has become becomes the first kickwax in any race
event winner in
larger and more efficient. All events can make a
long enough loop to held a race. Visma Ski Classics 2017 The best thing about cross-country skiing is that it is a sport for every-
body. The best elite athletes in the world are sharing their big days with
Both David and Anders agree upon the op- since 2013 (Daniel Britta Johansson skiers of all ages from all over the world. The best of cross country is Visma
portunities for long distance skiing. It is a format Richardsson, Åre- Norgren becomes Ski Classics, and all the events world-wide that motivate people with jobs to
of racing that everyone can understand. And fjällsloppet) to use the first Visma Ski dedicate their secret lives to being the best they can become.
with even better TV productions and more rec- kickwax, which he Classics champion There are many. Classic tracks groomed with a snowmobile by my first ski
reational skiers, the sport has a great future. did in Reistadløpet without kickwax in coach, Chris Osgood, at Dusty Ridge in Putney. Craftsbury Outdoor Center
any race – great skiing for skiers by skiers. Sjusjøen in March when the sun shines.

30 PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE 31
THIS IS ADVERTISEMENT FROM LIVIGNO.
CONTENTS

LIVIGNO VISMA SKI CLASSICS EVENTS


THE HOME OF CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING

SNOW
FARMING
IT HAS BEEN possible
to start the season
mid-October by using
snow stored from last
winter and conserved all
summer with the snow-
farming technique. Livi-
gno has been using this
technique for a couple
of years now in order to
CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING is the undisputed activity. Besides altitude, a fundamental role is guarantee snow on its
protagonist of the beginning of the winter season also played by the services offered in Livigno. cross-country ski slopes
in Livigno. As of 15th October, the Alta Valtellina Indeed, they include modern sports facilities that even if temperatures are
resort, also known as Piccolo Tibet, will be the are continuously being developed, and Active high and programmed
reference point for training sessions on real snow Hotel&Apartments which satisfies our athletes’ snow-making cannot be
for a huge number of national teams, internation- demands. The Aquagranda Active You centre has carried out.
al federations and many enthusiasts. There are given the resort a significant boost, placing the
30 km of tracks split into easy or more technical most modern machinery for athletic preparation SHOPPING
stretches, an example of the latter being the Mar-
ianna Longa piste, to ski along in an open valley
at our guests’ disposal, as well as special workout
rooms and a 25 metre swimming-pool (construc- DUTY FREE
which is always sunny. tion of a 50 metre pool is also being planned). LIVIGNO IS A typical
Livigno is located at 1816 metres a.s.l., so There will soon be an athletics track, completing alpine village which
athletes are in an ideal place for improving their the offer for sportspeople. A brand new feature enjoys the benefits of a
performance and training at altitude. This area is this year for biathlon lovers is an arena fitted with duty free area. Indeed,
particularly suitable for sports like cross-coun- last generation electronic devices ideal for prepar- shopping here in the
try skiing that require constant, intense aerobic ing for competitions. many shops located
in the pedestrian zone
right through to the
end of the valley is

SGAMBEDA particularly convenient.


Perfumeries, hi-tech
stores, boutiques, sports
NORDIC SKI RACE shops, jewellers, winer-
ies and delicatessens CONTENTS
THE MARATHON THAT officially
opens the competitive season, La attract the attention
of our tourists who, Map: The VIII Tour..................................................................... 34
Sgambeda, has been scheduled for Pro Team Tempo. . ....................................................................... 36
2nd December. Now in its 28th edition, once they’ve finished
skiing for the day, can Sgambeda....................................................................................... 38
La Sgambeda is part of the Visma Ski Kaiser Maximilian Lauf............................................................ 40
Classics Circuit and covers 35 km of enjoy an afternoon walk,
perhaps indulging in La Diagonela. . ................................................................................ 42
pistes on which skiers use the clas- Marcialonga................................................................................... 44
sical technique. It starts from the ski an aperitif in one of the
many refreshment areas Toblach-Cortina .. ........................................................................ 46
stadium, just a short walk from the Jizerská 50 .................................................................................... 48
centre. There is also an event for our located in the Valtellina
resort. For the evening, Vasaloppet. . .................................................................................... 50
littler guests, the Minisgambeda, on 3rd Birkebeinerrennet....................................................................... 52
December 2017 with pistes measuring guests are simply spoilt
for choice. After dinner Reistadløpet.. ................................................................................. 54
1 to 5 km, suitable both for young com- Ylläs-Levi......................................................................................... 56
petitors and little ones who want to try in a chalet or high end
out narrow skis. restaurant, the nightlife
continues in pubs offer-
32 PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE ing live music and clubs PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE 33
for dancing.
VISMA SKI CLASSICS VIII 11
YLLÄS-LEVI
LOCATION Ylläs-Levi, Finland
DISTANCE 67 km Classic Technique
DATE Saturday April 14th 2018

REISTADLØPET
LOCATION Setermoen-Bardufoss, Norway
10
DISTANCE 50 km Classic Technique
DATE Saturday April 7th 2018

VASALOPPET
8 LOCATION Sälen-Mora, Sweden
DISTANCE 90 km Classic Technique
DATE Sunday March 4th 2018
BIRKEBEINERRENNET
LOCATION Rena-Lillehammer, Norway
9
DISTANCE 54 km Classic Technique
DATE Saturday March 17th 2018

JIZERSKÁ PADESÁTKA
LOCATION Bedřichov, Czech Republic
7 FOLLOW US
ON TOUR!
DISTANCE 50 km Classic Technique
DATE Sunday February 18th 2018

KAISER MAXIMILIAN LAUF


LOCATION Seefeld, Austria
3 @VISMASKICLASSICS
DISTANCE 60 km Classic Technique
DATE Saturday January 13th 2018
FACEBOOK

LA DIAGONELA
LOCATION St. Moritz, Switzerland
4
DISTANCE 65 km Classic Technique
DATE Saturday January 20th 2018

TOBLACH-CORTINA
SGAMBEDA
2 6 LOCATION Toblach-Cortina, Italy
LOCATION Livigno, Italy DISTANCE 50 km Classic Technique
DISTANCE 35 km Classic Technique DATE Saturday February 3rd 2018
DATE Saturday December 2nd 2017

PRO TEAM TEMPO MARCIALONGA


LOCATION Pontresina, Switzerland
1 5 LOCATION Trentino, Italy
DISTANCE 11 km Classic Technique DISTANCE 70 km Classic Technique
DATE Sunday November 26th 2017 DATE Sunday January 28th 2018
EVENT 1 PRO TEAM TEMPO

Q&A with Christa Häberling, Product


Manager, Pontresina Tourist Office
1 PRO TEAM TEMPO – PONTRESINA
What makes Pontresina an interesting place
to visit?
– Pontresina stands for alpine lifestyle at its
finest. Located only 6 km away from glamorous
St. Moritz. Pontresina is luxurious – but not in

PONTRESINA
the traditional sense. Besides being perfect for
downhill skiing, Pontresina is something of a
nirvana for cross-country skiers with its 220 km
of groomed trails, and there’s also a lighted night
trail at Cuntschett at the cross-country skiing
center.

PRO TEAM TEMPO IN THE In three words, how would you describe
Pontresina?

“Olde-Worlde” CHARM
– High-alpine, charming, pristine.
 
The prologue will start a new season – what
are your expectations of your event and the
season itself? I lov e the ide a of
–We guarantee one of the longest cross-coun- hav ing a pro log ue in
try ski seasons in the Alps from November to Vism a Ski Cla ssic s as it giv es
April. Therefore the goal is not only to success- a gre at pla tfor m for Pro
fully hold the Visma Ski Classics prologue, but Tea ms to intr odu ce the mse l-
also to provide a lasting, at least a 3.3 km long, COURSE PROFILE
ves to the wor ld, and for us
artificially snowed loop-trail. This secures a
decent pre-season offer for the cross-country TV com men tato rs!”

H
T
AR

IS
FIN
ST
ski opening that is held simultaneously, inviting
2 000 m

1 900 m
Sami Pietilä,
Expert Commentator, YLE Finland
a number of guests for an early season holiday
1 800 m
12
1 700 m

How to describe Pontresina? The locals do it best; it’s wild to Pontresina. We want to make sure that also 1 600 m

1 500 m

the La Diagonela event, held in January, can get


and romantic, sunny, and sheltered from the wind. good exposure and more skiers.
  WOMEN PROLOGUE VII RESULTS MEN
IT SOUNDS LIKE A paradise. Be that as it may, of the teams will start in a pursuit based on that What improvements have you made for this
LOCATION
Pontresina is a perfect place for the Visma Ski total male time. If a team has more than one
Pontresina, year’s prologue? 0.23:43 Katerina Smutna 1 Petter Eliassen 0.19:42
Classics prologue event, more precisely Pro female skier, they can race together. The first Switzerland –Last year, the demanding conditions and warm
Team Tempo. female skier to cross the finish line is the winner temperatures required a lot of extra work from
Pontresina is situated at 1,805 meters above along with her team. The remaining places WHEN
November 26th 2017
all partners. The local community as well as the 0.23:44 Britta Johansson Norgren 2 Bastien Poirrier 0.19:51
sea level in a side valley, very close to the Ber- are determined by the order of the finishes by neighboring resorts have fully committed to
nina Range that includes the two most famous female skiers. The teams get their respective START TIME support Pontresina and provide the necessary
peaks of the Engadine: Piz Palü and Piz Bernina. points according to the VSC point-table (see Men at 10:00 CET, resources in order to master the challenges. We 0.24:03 Sara Lindborg 3 Morten Eide Pedersen 0.19:58
The latter, at 4,049 meters, is the highest peak page xx in the magazine). Women at 12:00 CET also want to make the event more attractive
in the Eastern Alps. If a Pro team does not have three male ACTIVE YEARS for spectators and create the right kind of an
This mountain village, steeped in history, athletes on the start line, their pro team female 2 (in Pontresina) atmosphere.
excites from the moment you set foot in it, with skiers will start 30 seconds after the last female  
PARTICIPANTS
the beauty of the traditional Engadine houses in the pursuit. If no female is starting in the What is Visma Ski Classics’ impact on
Pro Teams only
and the elegance of large hotels of the Belle pursuit, the pro team will be placed after the Pontresina?
Époque immediately transporting you back to a last female skier finishing the pursuit according DISTANCE –Pontresina has committed to set up the pro-
time of olde-worlde charm. to the male Pro Team time. 11 km logue for at least 3 years. It is a great opportuni- START/FINISH
PONTRESINA
All pro team athletes starting and finishing SPRINTS/CLIMBING ty to extend the season, take advantage of the
PRO TEAM TEMPO within 20% of the winning time in the Pro Team POINTS existing capacities and revive the resort in an
The Pro Teams start individually and the time of Tempo will get 50 individual bonus points in the None otherwise not too busy pre-Christmas period.
each Pro Teams third best male skier gives the Champion bib competition.
team a total male time. Then, the female skiers pontresina.ch
(the site for the town)
36 PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE vismaskiclassics.com PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE 37
EVENT 2 SGAMBEDA

Q&A with Matteo Dessi, Chief of


Communication, Sgambeda
2 SGAMBEDA
What makes your event special ?
– The course of the race runs along the whole START
LIVIGNO
valley of Livigno for 35km surrounded by 4 35
FINISH
LIVIGNO

beautiful landscapes with an altitude between SPRINT


LIVIGNO
1800m a.s.l. and 2100m a.s.l. There are also
some indigenous houses along the course that

SGAMBEDA
characterize the history of the town.

What are the most challenging parts on the


course and what are the most scenic ones?
– The first part is characterized by a 4 km FORCOLA

& Picturesque SKIING


13 25 FORCOLA
sprint along the start/finish area. Then the

DUTY-FREE SHOPPING course continues up the valley passing over the


fields next to some picturesque wooden houses.
After 13 km, the course reaches the Forcola area
CLIMB
GRASSI DEGLI AGNELLI

20
and starts the climb up to Grassi Degli Agnelli,
a challenging climb with magnificent views on
both sides. Then, there is a long downhill and COURSE PROFILE
some gradual flat skiing to the finish line.

I LI
LL EG
A

A
NE I D
NO

NO

NO
OL

OL
AGASS
RC

RC
IG

IG

IG
LIV

LIV

LIV
GR
FO

FO
2 200 m

When coming to your race, what does a 2 100 m 20

2 000 m

participant need to know about the event? 1 900 m 13 25


4 35
– We suggest to arrive in Livigno a couple of
1 800 m

1 700 m

days before the race to try out the course. SPRINT CLIMB

The race office (open from November 30th


2017), changing rooms, showers, pasta party WOMEN SGAMBEDA VII RESULTS MEN
and price giving ceremony are located at Plaza
Placheda building. 1:23:25
01:01:47 Britta Johansson
KaterinaNorgren
Smutna 1 John Asle
Tord Kristian
Gjerdalen
Dahl 00:53:15
01:09:59

“You can sometimes meet a wild animal like a steinbock The logistic area, where you find start/fin-
ish area, the VIP area and the media center, is
and deer on the way. Keep your eyes open!” located at Cross Country Stadium; 1:23:27
01:01:48 Britta Johansson
KateřinaNorgren
Smutná 2 Eugeniy
Ilya Chernousov
Dementiev 00:53:15
01:10:00

The athletes must be 18 years of age.


SGAMBEDA IS held in the beautiful valley of most of them are supported by an association
Livigno, located in the Northern Italy close to called Sporting Club. Many young athletes often LOCATION Can you name three words that best describe
1:23:43
01:01:48 Justyna
SaraKowalcyzk
Lindborg 3 Johan Kjølstad 00:53:15
Petter Eliassen 01:10:01
the Swiss border. The Sgambeda Classic was end up with good results in their respective Livigno, Italy your event?
first held in 1990, and over the years, it has discipline. At the 2006 Turin Winter Olympics, – Picturesque landscape, prestigious race cir-
had many of the best Nordic skiers in the no less than eight Italian athletes came from
WHEN
cuit and international visibility
BRITTA JOHANSSON NORGREN’S 3 TIPS
December 2nd 2017
world participating in the race. Sgambeda Livigno.
joined Visma Ski Classics in 2014/2015 with
the amateurs now competing together with
the Pro Team athletes throughout the 35 km TOP 5 PLACES TO VISIT
START TIME
Women CET 09:30
Men CET 10:00
What are your future prospects and develop-
ment plans? 1 Have the altitude in your
thoughts when you plan
your visit in Livigno and your
– We hope to grow and get even more partic-
course (more about the course in the Q&A ipants and guarantee the whole course (or an race strategy.
DISTANCE
section). • Aquagranda Active You alternative track) in case there is no natural
35 km Classic
Livigno is also a well-known tourist at-
traction with its duty-free shopping status. A
perfect opportunity for some great Christmas
www.aquagrandalivigno.com
• Mus! Museum Of Livigno And Trepalle
• www.livigno.eu/museo
Technique
PARTICIPANTS
snow.
2 Be prepared for the
changes in snow con-
ditions when the sun comes
Can you recall the most memorable race in
shopping with bargain prices while partici- • Dairy Of Livigno 1329 history? over the mountains.
pating in the race. No VAT needs to be paid www.latterialivigno.eu – There are many memorable ones, and be-
SPRINTS &
in Livigno, but income taxes do, thus the
town cannot be considered as a tax haven.
Besides being a shopping paradise,
• Duty Free Shopping Area-
www.livigno.eu/en/shopping-in-livigno
• Discovering The Mountain’s Paths
CLIMBING POINTS
1 sprint point
cause the course runs near the Stelvio National
Park, you can sometimes meet a wild animal 3 Take the opportuni-
ty to eat some good
tasty food and go for some
1 climb point like a steinbock and deer on the way. Keep your
Livigno is quite known for its active sport by snowshoes walking, fat-bike itineraries and eyes open! shopping.
life. There are nearly 20 sport associations, ski touring. lasgambeda.it

38 PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE 39
EVENT 3 KAISER MAXIMILIAN LAUF

Q&A with Kari Kraus, Chief of Communication, 3 KAISER MAXIMILIAN LAUF


Kaiser Maximilian Lauf
What is the characteristics of your race?
– The special thing about Kaiser Maximilian
Lauf is that it is set in the middle of a beautiful UNTERLEUTASCH 30/35

Alpine landscape. As opposed to many other


races, you also have a few climbs and descents
so the participants have a number of interesting

KAISER MAXIMILIAN LAUF


challenges to overcome as cross-country skiers.
24
SPRINT
What new does this year’s edition offer? LEUTASCH

– As Seefeld is preparing for the FIS Nordic Ski


World Championships in 2019 you can already

ADVENTUROUS SKIING IN THE


OBERN 17/48

see some of the extensive improvements in the START


SEEFELD
8
infrastructure for Kaiser Maximilian Lauf; a new CLIMB
60 FINISH
SEEFELD

Olympic Region
start and finish area, improved course, upgrad- WILDMOOSALM

ed service stations and a “Pasta Party” with a


Tyrolean influence. MÖSERN 3

What are the most challenging parts on the COURSE PROFILE


course, and the most scenic ones?

M
L

L
SA

SA
H

H
OO

OO
-The most demanding section is certainly the

C
M ELD

D
N

AS

AS

AS

AS
UT -

UT -

EL
ER

LE TER

LE TER
N

N
DM

DM
UT

UT
ER

ER
EF

EF
ÖS

IL

IL
UN

UN
OB

OB
SE

SE
LE

LE
W

W
1 400 m

climb up to the Wildmoos and the subsequent 1 300 m


8 54
1 200 m

descent. In this section, the participants are on 1 100 m


3
17
24 42
48 60

the historic trails used for the Winter Olympics


1 000 m 30 35
900 m

in 1976 and the World Championships in 1985. SPRINT CLIMB

What is the Visma Ski Classics impact on the WOMEN KAISER MAXIMILIAN LAUF VII RESULTS MEN
event?
– Until Kaiser Maximilian Lauf became a mem- 03.43:48 Katerina Smutna 1 Andreas Nygaard 03.21:44
”We cross-country skiers love snow, and we got plenty of it!” ber of the Visma Ski Classics tour, Seefeld had
never hosted a mass-start race of this sort, so
Andreas Nygaard, last year’s male winner
the cooperation with the professionals in that 03.43:59 Asrid Øyre Slind 2 Tord Asle Gjerdalen 03.21:45

A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE in the heart of the ny’s most famous cross-country ski events. At area has been, and continues to be, a great help,
LOCATION especially when it comes to the accompanying
Alps! The Olympic region Seefeld is located
on a plateau in the midst of the Alps at an al-
that time, Kaiser Maximilian Lauf was created
in five days and became a success thanks to Seefeld, Austria program and the TV coverage. 03.47:23 Britta Johansson Norgren 3 Stian Hoelgaard 03.21:45

titude of 1200 meters, embedded in a breath- the great organization around the event. In WHEN
What are your future prospects and develop-
taking and majestic mountain atmosphere. 2017, the event became famous for the heavy January 13th 2018
ment plans?
SERAINA BONER’S TIPS FOR THE RACE
The Kaiser Maximilian Lauf event took form in snowfall on the event day, the heaviest the
START TIME – As far as the Kaiser Maximilian Lauf goes, our
2016 due to the cancelation of one of Germa- region had seen in years.
Women CET 08:45
Men CET 09:00
aim is to become a fixed date in the race calen-
dar of every cross-country skiing fan. It should 1 Pace yourself in the first
10 km as this is the tough-
est part of the race.
DISTANCE be a destination that every participant can look
TOP PLACES TO VISIT TV POINTERS 60 km Classic forward to.

• The Bergbahnen Rosshütte ski area in


Seefeld, with its multi-award-winning slopes
• Expect this race to be nothing like last year.
The race had extreme conditions then. There
Technique
PARTICIPANTS
Can you recall the most memorable race in 2 Know your strengths
and weaknesses and use
it when choosing to go either
history?
and breathtaking panoramic views, offers a is a long break between Sgambeda and this 450 -Of course, last year’s race was especially with kick wax or double
veritable paradise for alpine skiing enthusiasts. race making it hard to know who’s in shape. memorable. We had a heavy snowstorm, which poling.
FIRST OFFICIAL RACE
• The Wildmoosalm is a cosy and traditional Check results from different local races to find spread over the lovely Seefeld plateau and
2017
mountain hut around a 30 minute walk from
the center of Seefeld.
out how the top VSC skiers are performing.
• For TV viewers, this race is a perfect prologue
for the upcoming World Championships in
SPRINTS/CLIMBING
POINTS
caused the trails and racers to disappear in a
sea of snowflakes. But in hindsight, the image 3 For recreational skiers,
this is a race with kick
wax. Wax your skis well!
of “the complete whiteness” stays in everyone’s
2019. Soak up the ambience and get to know 1 Sprint point mind for years to come.
Seefeld! 1 Climb point

40 PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE kaisermaximilianlauf.com PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE 41
EVENT 4 LA DIAGONELA

Q&A with Ramun Ratti, Event Manager,


La Diagonela
4 LA DIAGONELA
COURSE PROFILE
What makes your event special, the character-
istics of your race?

A
IN
Z
AN

IT

ES
OR
ED

TR
OZ

OZ
.M
M

N
PO
– The La Diagonela course offers some spec-

ZU

ZU
SA

ST
2 100 m

2 000 m

tacular scenery while going through little typical 1 900 m

towns of the Engadin valley as well as the


1 800 m
24 37
1 700 m 12 65

famous lake of St. Moritz.

LA DIAGONELA
1 600 m

SPRINT

What are the most challenging parts on the


course and what are the most scenic ones? WOMEN LA DIAGONELA VII RESULTS MEN
– Right after the start, skiers cross a small
village called La Punt, a typical Engadin village 02.20:49 Katerina Smutna 1 Ilya Chernousov 02.03:39

LIKE SKIING IN A
with nice old houses. The lake of St. Moritz
offers a very special view, but also Stazerwald
with its hilly terrain has its own appeal. 02.21:52 Britta Johansson Norgren 2 Tord Asle Gjerdalen 02.03:41

Perfect POSTCARD When coming to your race, what does a partic-


ipant need to know about the event?
– There are many hotels and apartments avail-
able in the valley, there is direct access to the
02.25:06 Sara Lindborg 3 Øystein Pettersen

FINISH
02.03:42

train station from the start and finish area, free ZUOZ

bus transfers on the race day. START


ZUOZ
65

Name three words that best describe your


event?
– Stunning scenery, high altitude race, unique
and nice atmosphere

How have you taken the pro and amateur SPRINT


SAMEDAN
aspects into account when organizing your
“Stunning scenery, high altitude and unique atmospher”
12
event?
-La Diagonela with its 65 km course is a long
race, especially organized for pro teams as well SPRINT
PONTRESINA
LA DIAGONELA IS the largest cross-country as for well-trained amateur athletes. We also
TV POINTERS
ST. MORITZ
37
race in classical technique in Switzerland. It LOCATION offer the 30 km La Pachifica, which is designed
24

partially follows the same beautiful course as St Moritz, for athletes who want to enjoy the nature of the
• This race is always full of surprises; Rikard Switzerland
the famous Engadin Ski Marathon. The revival Engadin without overstressing their bodies. It is
Tynell’s victory in the first edition, Bill Impola
of classical cross-country skiing is the main
goal of La Diagonela. The holistic, harmonious,
getting lost, Masako Ishida and Ilya Chern- WHEN also a good way to start classic skiing. RIKARD TYNELL’S TIPS FOR THE RACE
ousov winning their first and only VCS race January 20th 2018
gentle, natural and decelerating movement What is the Visma Ski Classics impact on the
1
so far, and challenging conditions with lack START TIME Remember to drink water
is trendy and confirms the competence for event?
of snow, too much snow the day before or Women CET 09:20 the day before the race
sports events in the Engadin valley. – Visma Ski Classics provides a lot of Pro
extremely cold weather. Men CET 09:30 and also during the race. In
But, of course, for well-trained Visma Ski Athletes, which gives the race a professional
Classics pro skiers the event offers a great DISTANCE atmosphere and a chance for amateurs to race high altitude, you need more
double-poling course. La Diagonela is the 65km Classic with the best skiers in the world. water than normally.
fourth longest race in the Visma Ski Classics TOP 5 PLACES TO VISIT Technique
tour after Vasaloppet, Marcialonga and Ylläs-
Levi. The course goes from Zuoz to Celerina,
via the so-called “dream slope” to St. Moritz
• Glacier of Morteratsch
• Mineralbad Samedan – open spa in the old
ACTIVE YEARS
5 years
Can you recall the most memorable event in
history? 2 The race takes place in
high altitude and it is
long. So, pace yourself in the
– When the leader of the 2015 race, Bill Impola,
including the passage over the frozen Lake St. town of Samedan PARTICIPANTS first 25 km. The final climb
took a wrong turn only a few kilometers before
Moritz, continuing through the Stazerwald to • Pedestrian zone of St. Moritz 900 to the finish in Zuoz is a long
the finish and lost his victory.
the Val Roseg and Pontresina and finally back • Old Town of Zuoz one..
to Zuoz. • Apine skiing in combination with SPRINTS/CLIMBING
La Diagonela POINTS
2 Sprint points
42 PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE ladiagonela.ch PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE 43
EVENT 5 MARCIALONGA

Q&A with Gloria Trettel, CEO,


Marcialonga
5 MARCIALONGA
Describe the characteristics of your race? 18

– The main characteristic of our race is that the CANAZEI

course passes through most villages of the val-


leys. In this way, athletes breathe in the charm POZZA 8 28

of a world, which brims with real values and the POZZA

genuineness of people who are still refreshingly

MARCIALONGA
spontaneous.
START
MOENA 36

What new does this year’s edition offer? MOENA

– The course has been improved with ground PETTORALI SKI

leveling and new snow production points.


Furthermore, there will be a new communica-

JOYFUL FESTIVITIES,
SPRINT
46
tion concept with a brand new logo that will FINISH/CLIMB
CAVALESE
PREDAZZO

LAGO DI TESERO
bring a different and more interactive, as well MOLINA
70
55

Grandiose LANDSCAPES
as effective and modern, way of thinking about 64

Marcialonga and its events.


COURSE PROFILE
How have you taken the pro and amateur

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aspects into account when organizing your

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1 400 m 18

event? 1 300 m

1 200 m
8 28

– For us, all athletes are equally important. 1 100 m


36

1 000 m 46 70
However, amateur skiers make up 99% of our 900 m 55
64 68

participants, so we are fully engaged to assure SPRINT CLIMB

them perfect tracks, quick first aid assistance,


food stations with everything they need, repair WOMEN MARCIALONGA VII RESULTS MEN
and waxing points.
02.22:46 Katerina Smutna 1 Tord Asle Gjerdalen 02.08:36
What are the most scenic parts of the course?
”Our future plans are to increase and refine the artificial snow production -The beauty of nature and the Dolomites cliffs
covered with snow, for those coming from 02.22:46 Britta Johansson Norgren 2 Johan Kjølstad 02.08:38
system, to guarantee a perfect course for all our participants” outside, from other places, Marcialonga is the
sportive way to better appreciate what nature
MARCIALONGA WAS BORN in 1971, and in offers, as the beautiful landscapes you pass
02.27:08 Sara Lindborg 3 Morten Eide Pedersen 02.08:38
2018 it will reach its 45th edition, as it has been TV POINTERS LOCATION by, along all 70 km course, mitigate the fatigue,
canceled three times over the years. To avoid Trentino, Italy satisfy eyes and hearths and make the goal
any further cancelation, the organizers started • This is a legendary race and thus has a long
WHEN seem nearer.
to provide snow-guns in 1991 (first in Italy for history. Check the facts about the villages in
January 28th 2018
TORD ASLE GJERDALEN’S TIPS FOR THE RACE
XC ski tracks), and nowadays there are 20 snow the valley and the area.
• Even if this race is really fast-paced, there are What is the Visma Ski Classics impact on the

1
cannons, plus 10 private ones, that produce START TIME You need extra hill
often many breakaways, and in many occa- event?
artificial snow for Marcialonga. The course is 70 Women CET 07:50 training and double-pol-
sions done by somewhat obscure skiers, e.g. –It has helped us to grow and specialize in
km long, with a short distance of 45 km called Men CET 08:00 ing workouts on flats with
Thomas Gifstad last year. Be ready for their being a World Championships event with high
Light that finishes in the center of Predazzo. DISTANCE standards and services. We also spread the different speeds
The total of 235.000 participants have regis- moments in the sun.
• The decisive moment always happens in the 70 km images of our event all over the world, by means
tered in the most popular Italian long-distance
ski race throughout the years. The historical
start is in Moena, Val di Fassa, and the finish is
last hill.
• For everyone, just enjoy the ride and soak up
ACTIVE YEARS
45th edition
of a professional TV production.

What are your future prospects and develop-


2 What makes this race
hard is the final climb.
Whether you’re an elite skier
on the main street of Cavalese, Val di Fiemme, the Italian magic!
PARTICIPANTS ment plans? or recreational skier, you
passing through 13 villages and thousands of 7 951 in 2016 – Our future plans are to increase and refine the suddenly have to change
spectators cheering up for all skiers. During artificial snow production system, to guarantee your technique. For us pros,
Marcialonga the Climb points will be handed SPRINTS/CLIMBING it means a different kind of
a perfect course for all our participants and to
out according to the fastest times in the final POINTS double-poling. Practice this
work on all side events for guests and children,
uphill, the Cascata. 1 Sprint point change of techniques.
the future protagonists of Marcialonga.
1 Climb point
marcialonga.it
44 PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE 45
EVENT 6 TOBLACH-CORTINA

Q&A with Stephanie Santer, Chief of Event,


Toblach-Cortina
6 TOBLACH-CORTINA
COURSE PROFILE
What makes your event special ?
– The whole course lies in the Unesco Natural

ES
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IN
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World Heritage and is surrounded by a beautiful

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1 600 m

landscape. The race follows the former railway 1 500 m

1 400 m 25

“Ferrovia delle Dolomiti” with two tunnels, start- 1 300 m

1 200 m 11 50

ing in the Nordic village Toblach and finishing in

TOBLACH-CORTINA
1 100 m

the Olympic village Cortina. SPRINT

What new does this year’s edition offer? WOMEN TOBLACH-CORTINA VII RESULTS MEN
– Upon request, we will remove the part on the
World Cup track at the Nordic Arena, so that all 02.30:32 Katerina Smutna 1 Tord Asle Gjerdalen 02.04:59

Sunshine Skiing
skiers will have more fun!

How have you taken the pro and amateur 02.30:35 Britta Johansson Norgren 2 Petter Eliassen 02.04:59
aspects into account when organizing your

IN THE DOLOMITES
event?
– For us, the amateur skiers are as important as 02.30:39 Astrid Øyre Slind 3 Morten Eide Pedersen 02.06:42
the pro athletes. We want to guarantee the same
conditions for everybody and we are working START
TOBLACH/DOBBIACO
hard to see happy faces at the finish line.
SPRINT
NORDIC ARENA 11

What are the most challenging parts on the


course and what are the most scenic ones?
– The course is feasible for everyone. Don’t miss
the beautiful view at 25 km where you can see
the famous Three Peaks on your left and the 25 TRE CIMES
mount Cristallo in front of you.

Toblach-Cortina is one of the oldest long distance cross-country races When coming to your race, what does a
participant need to know about the event?
of Italy. It started in 1977 and has since become a prestigious tradition. – That our race office is at Grand Hotel Toblach
and that we have free shuttles going between
TOBLACH-CORTINA IS ONE of the oldest m). From there, the course goes downward both locations on the race day.
FINISH
long distance cross-country races of Italy. It through two galleries to Cortina d’Ampezzo. LOCATION 50
CORTINA D’AMPEZZO

started in 1977 and has since become a presti- The finish line is located in the city center of Cortina, Italy Based on all of the above, can you name three
gious tradition. In 2016, the race became a part Cortina d’Ampezzo. words that best describe your event?
of Visma Ski Classics. The course is the original
WHEN
– Magic – Fun – Unique
HELI HEISKANEN’S TIPS FOR PARTICIPANTS
February 3rd 2018
Tour de Ski track, run in the opposite direction,
from Toblach to Cortina. It follows the former
railroad, the so-called Dolomites Railway (“Fer-
rovia delle Dolomiti”).
TOP PLACES TO VISIT
START TIME
Women CET 08.30
Men CET 09.00
What is the Visma Ski Classics impact on
the event?
– It brings us more international participants
1 The snow conditions from
Toblach to Cimabanche (the
highest point) can be different
The race starts at the Military Airport on Cable Car “Tofana – Freccia Nel Cielo”: Next and publicity worldwide through the TV cover- from the snow conditions from
to the Olympic Ice Stadium take the funicular DISTANCE
the field of Dobbiaco and goes towards Inn- age. Cimabanche to Cortina. Test
“Freccia nel Cielo” that goes up to 2500 meters 50 km Classic
ichen (San Candido) where the track makes a your skis in both directions!
in the area of Ra Valles (Tofana di Mezzo). The Technique
turn and goes back to Dobbiaco crossing the What are your future prospects and

2
cross-country stadium, the Nordic Arena, where view here is beautiful. ACTIVE YEARS development plans? Do not start too fast, the
the FIS Cross Country Skiing World Cup and Plätzwiese/Braies: Only 30 minutes by car 2018 will be the 41st – We want to guarantee the 50 km course with race is long!
the Tour de Ski take place every year. from Toblach, in direction to Braies, you can have edition artificial snow.

3
After skiing over the “Nordic Arena” building, an unforgettable skiing trip to the plateau of It can be cold in the
SPRINTS/CLIMBING
the course goes into Höhlensteintal (Val di Plätzwiese with a 6 km track. “Höhlensteintal” valley. Pro-
POINTS
Landro), passing by the Lake of Dobbiaco and Bruneck/Brunico: The town center is located tect your body and fingers!
1 Sprint point
the viewpoint of the Three Peaks, reaching the about 28 kilometers east of Toblach. It is the
highest point of the course Cimabanche (1.534 largest town in the Puster Valley. dobbiacocortina.org

46 PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE 47
EVENT 7 JIZERSKÁ 50

Q&A with Local organizing Committee,


Jizerská 50
7 JIZERSKÁ 50
How have you taken the pro and amateur
aspects into account when organizing your
event?
– Both groups are equally important for us
and for the multitude of racers it is great that SMĚDAVA

JIZERSKÁ 50
30
they can stand side by side with the best in the 41

world. Our goal for amateurs is to give them an HŘEBÍNEK


11 SPRINT
experience of a race with professional service, CLIMB
JIZERKA

and for our elite participants from the ranks of NA KNEIPĚ


23

Visma Ski Classics racers we want to provide


them with the necessary comfort; the feeling

HONORING THE HEROES AND


that everything works smoothly. START 50
BEDŘICHOV
FINISH
BEDŘICHOV
What are the most challenging parts on the

OFFERING CZECH Hospitality


course and what are the most scenic ones?
– The trail will take racers through the whole
Jizera Mountains, all the way to the village of COURSE PROFILE
Jizerka, where they will enjoy beautiful views

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of the valley with cottages, and then back

EIP

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ĚD
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JIZ

SM
NA


BE

BE
2 100 m

along the second part of the ridges. The most 2 000 m

demanding section is the introductory part,


1 900 m
11
1 800 m
23
30 41
which rises to the highest point (1,000 metres
1 700 m
50
1 600 m

above sea level) and then a climb to Smědava SPRINT CLIMB

in the second part. The trail is demanding with


respect to wax, as different conditions prevail in WOMEN JIZERSKÁ 50 VII RESULTS MEN
the higher areas.

When coming to your race, what is good


02.17:34 Katerina Smutna 1 Morten Eide Pedersen 01.55:53

”The decisive moment usually happens in the second long to know?

climb about 20 km before finish”


– The race is held only 100 km from Prague,
where there is an international airport.
02.17:45 Britta Johansson 2 Petter Eliassen 01.55:53

THE 51ST EDITION of the biggest the late-70s, when the event became im-
LOCATION
What is the Visma Ski Classics’ impact on 02.18:15 Astrid Øyre Slind 3 Tord Asle Gjerdalen 01.57:06
cross-country ski event in Central Europe, mensely popular. In 1978, nearly 8,000 com- the event?
which is held every year as the 1970 Peru petitors participated in the race. In the past Bedrichov, – Millions of Czech spectators watch live
Expedition Memorial in honour of 15 fallen few years, the track has been changed, which Czech Republic broadcasts of not only the Jizerská 50, but
Czechoslovak mountain climbers. has contributed to success and increasing also of other Visma Ski Classics races. Viewers
ŘEZÁČ & SMUTNA’S TIPS FOR THE RACE
WHEN
The origin of the race goes back to the year popularity of the race. It is a well-organized at the site of the race have the possibility to
February 18th 2018
1968 when a group of mountain climbers of TJ
Lokomotiva came with an idea of undertaking
a race in the Jizera Mountains. They became
event, and besides being a part of Visma Ski
Classics, it is a member of the Worldloppet
family.
START TIME
Women CET 09.15
see in person the stars of the sport, who bring
prestige and the attention of the whole world to
the race.
1 Check the weather and
conditions on the course for
proper waxing.
the forerunners of what is nowadays known as Men CET 09.30
the “Jizerska 50”.
The first race was held on January 20 that
same year with only 52 participants. In 1970
DISTANCE
50 km Classic
What are your future prospects and
development plans?
There is already a running version and we
2 Prepare yourself for the
profile of the trail and pace
yourself.
the members of the Peru expedition partic-
TV POINTERS Technique
would like to establish a cycling version on the
ipated in this race as a preparation for their
expedition. Unfortunately, Mother Nature
showed her wrath in the form of an avalanche,
Jizerska 50 is always a surprising race. The
decisive moment usually happens in the sec-
ond long climb about 20 K before the finish.
PARTICIPANTS
6 500
main 50 km trail. In the future, we want to try to
implement a permanent snow-making system
so that it will be possible to train and to have
3 Come in top shape and
have fun, skiing 51st Jizer-
ska padesatka.
SPRINTS/CLIMBING
and the mountain climbers were all buried The first climb is 10 km long, and sometimes POINTS greater certainty that the race will be held as
under snow four months later. Hence the Me- some breakaways can happen even this early. 1 Sprint point scheduled.
morial mentioned above. Watch out for local skiers as they know how to 1 Climb point
The golden era for the race took place in race this one!
jiz50.cz
48 PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE 49
EVENT 8 VASALOPPET

8 VASALOPPET
COURSE PROFILE

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600 m

500 m 11 24
35
400 m 47
300 m

VASALOPPET
200 m 62 71 81
90
100 m

SPRINT

WOMEN VASALOPPET VII RESULTS MEN

The Grand Old


04.19:43 Britta Johansson Norgren John Kristian Dahl 03.57:18

04.21:21 Astrid Øyre Slind 2 Andreas Nygaard 03.57:18

OF SKI RACES
Q&A with Tommy Höglund, Head of Sport,
Vasaloppet 04.28:47 Sara Lindborg 3 Stian Hoelgaard 03.57:18

What makes your event special, the character-


istics of your race?
– Long tradition, high numbers of participants
every year and an easy course with no big
climbs.

What are the most challenging parts on the SPRINT


EVERTSBERG

course and what are the most scenic ones? 11


SMÅGAN
47 OXBERG

– The challenge is the long distance and the START


SÄLEN
62

long skiing time, 90 k and 4-12 hours. 24


35

RISBERG 71

“The challenge is the long distance and the long skiing time,
HÖKBERG
SPRINT

When coming to your race, what does a MÅNGSBODARNA


ELDRIS

90 km and 4-12 hours.”


81
participant need to know about the event? 90

– We have a rule of NO Littering on the course. FINISH


MORA

LITTLE DID GUSTAV ERIKSSON VASA know a true mass-start event with almost 16,000 If you get caught littering during the race, you
in 1520 that his actions and rebellion against skiers. The race has seven service stations on LOCATION can be punished with a 15-minute time penalty.
Denmark would still resonate almost five the course. The start area Sälen is known for Sälen-Mora, Sweden
hundered years later. The story of Vasaloppet’s great downhill skiing with seven winter sport Based on all of the above, can you name three
origin is well documented, and the future king centers. The first feeding station is Smågan
WHEN words that best describe your event? JOHN KRISTIAN DAHL’S TIPS FOR THE RACE
March 4th 2018 – Tradition, classic technic and the large num-
of free Sweden became the symbol of it, but at 11 km, the only station, which is not locat-
ber of skiers
the actual father of the race is Anders Pers
from Mora. He launched the idea of a ski race
honoring the aforementioned king in an article
ed in a village or town. The second station is
Mångsbodarna at 24 km, the area is known for
its quarry where the popular Dala sandstone is
START TIME
Men & Women
CET 08.00 What is the Visma Ski Classics’ impact on
1 Be prepared. It is very
long, make sure that you
have the power and energy
in a local newspaper in 1922. That year, the first produced. the event? to fulfill your goals.
DISTANCE – It attracts the best long distance skiers in the
Vasaloppet was put in action, and 119 skiers Risberg, a mountain farm at 410 meters
90 km Classic world and promotes our race on TV worldwide.
showed up at the start.
Now, the event has become the biggest ski
race in the world and a legendary challenge
above sea level, is the third checkpoint on the
course at 35 km. Everstberg comes next, just
two kilometers after the half-point. After this
Technique
PARTICIPANTS What are your future prospects and
2 Dare to relax the last
week before the race.
What you have left undone
with its 90-kilometer course from the Berga vil- station, the course has a long downhill section 16 000 development plans? cannot be fixed the last days.
lage in Sälen to Mora. Vasaloppet has an ideal before reaching Oxberg at 62 km, this area – We have a 100-year celebration coming up in
ACTIVE YEARS 2022, which of course means a big celebration.
profile for avid double-polers with lot of flats
and long gradual climbs to service stations lo-
cated on the top of hills, and the longest climb
serves as the start area for the shorter events
during the Vasaloppet week. The second last
station is called Hökberg, and from there skiers
95
SPRINTS/CLIMBING
We want to continue to hold our position as one
of the biggest events for elite and recreational
3 Enjoy the race and expe-
rience. It’s a huge event
and circus, try to soak up the
is the first one right after the start (2.5 km). have 19 km left before reaching the finish line POINTS skiers in the world. atmosphere.
The main race on Sunday, March 4th, is in Mora. 2 Sprint points
vasaloppet.se
50 PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE 51
EVENT 9 BIRKEBEINERRENNET

Q&A with Local organizing Committee,


Birkebeinerrennet
9 BIRKEBEINERRENNET
What is the characteristics of your race?
– Birkebeinerrennet is a unique ski race over
the mountain. Its course, profile and demand-
ing climbs make it a real challenge to all cross
country skiers and a rite of passage under KVARSTAD
tough conditions. And of course, the status of

BIRKEBEINERRENNET
28
SJUSJØEN 20
cross country skiing in Norway; our skiing tra- 40 SPRINT
dition and our stars, that’s what makes Birkebe- LIVIGNO
RAUDFJELLET START
RENA
9
inerrennet and cross country skiing in general a 54
SKRAMSTADSÆTRA
special thing for all Norwegians. FINISH
LILLEHAMMER

VISMA SKI CLASSICS’


What does this year’s edition offer?
– This year’s race is our 80-year anniversary.
We really look forward to celebrating the event

Backpack ADVENTURE
with all the participants.

How have you taken the pro and amateur COURSE PROFILE
aspects into account when organizing your
event?

ER
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AD

EN

M
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HA
ST
FJ


SÆRAM

UD
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AR

LE
US
– Birkebeinerrennet offers challenges for every-

LIL
KV
RA
SK
RE

SJ
900 m 20 40

one. We have different distances – Ingalåmi, the


800 m

700 m 28
9

women’s race 5/15 and 30 km, HalvBirken 28 600 m

500 m 54

km, StafettBirken (the relay) 50 km (4 stages), 400 m

CLIMB

FridayBirken C/F 54 km, YouthBirken 15 km for


12 - 16 years and also the children’s race.
WOMEN BIRKEBEINERRENNET VII RESULTS MEN

Based on all of the above, can you name three


words that best describe your event? 02.46:42 Justyna Kowalczyk 1 Martin Johnsrud Syndby 02.20:53

“This year’s race is our 80 year anniversary. We really look forward – Unique, Natural Snow, Mountains

to celebrate the event with all the participants.” What is the Visma Ski Classics impact on
02.50:57 Britta Johansson Norgren 2 Petter Eliassen 02.21:41

the event?
BIRKEBEINERRENNET IS Norway’s 54 km con-
tribution to Visma Ski Classics. The legend has
most challenging courses is Visma Ski Classics.
The first nine km takes you through a forest up LOCATION
– Visma Ski Classics has created new
cross-country skiing stars, brought long dis-
02.51:45 Masako Ishida 3 Simen Østensen 02.21:45

it that there was a civil war in Norway. Faction to Skramstadsetra (640m.a.s.l), where the first Lillehammer, Norway tance skiing to worldwide attention, and given
against faction in a fight for the throne. One drink station is situated. Then continue to the both the events and the sport a very good
was the birkebeiners, the underdogs. The word first mountaintop at Dølfjellet (820m.a.s.l). After
WHEN
marketing tool.
ANDERS AUKLAND’S TIPS FOR THE RACE
March 17th 2018
birkebeiner, birch-leg, has come to mean a man 17km downhill, you reach Dambua. From there,
strong in adversity, never daunted by trials and
hardship.
After the birkebeiner chief Haakon died, the
you climb west crossing Raudfjellet(880 m.a.s.l).
After reaching Midtfjellet (910 m.a.s.l), you keep
going west for 41km through open mountain
START TIME
Women CET 07.45
Men CET 08.00
What are your future prospects and
development plans?
Every year we set out to make the best race
1 It is good to have kick wax
on your skis, but it’s always
tricky because of the high
rival fraction saw a dangerous pretender in his terrain to Sjusjøen (880 m.a.s.l). Downhill from ever and bring satisfaction to our participants. altitude change when going over
DISTANCE
son. His life was at stake, so two of their best Sjusjøen, you enter the Birkebeineren Ski stadi- We want them to say after the race: I’m a Birke- the mountains.
54 km Classic
skiers had to go over the mountains with the um, where the finish line is (490 m.a.s.l). beiner – and I’m proud of it
Technique
two-year-old prince and face severe adversities
on their way. The 3,5 kg pack carried by the
present day birkebeiners symbolizes the prince.
TV POINTERS ACTIVE YEARS
80 years in 2018
2 Start with a good pace,
but not too fast as the first
climb is long.
Birkebeinerrennet and its region have a very • Watch out for breakaway attempts even in
PARTICIPANTS
stable climate with good winters and a lot of
natural snow. The mountains with unique Norwe-
gian nature make Birken attractive to foreign and
the first climb. The good glide is the key –
keep an eye on the top skiers going downhill
as well! Check out the weather conditions in
17 163 in 2014
SPRINTS/CLIMBING
3 Good training in January
and February will ensure
that you’re in shape for Birken.
domestic skier alike. The 54 km course crosses the start area, up on the mountains and in POINTS
two mountains, making it probably one of the Lillehammer. 1 Climb point

52 PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE


birkebeinerrennet.no PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE 53
EVENT 10 REISTADLØPET

Q&A with Fred Arne Jacobsen,


Chief of Competition Reistadløpet
10 REISTADLØPET
What makes your event special ? 50
FINISH
BARDUFOSS
– Reistadløpet is characterized by steep climbs SUNDLIFJELLET
and speedy downhill segments in a high-moun- 39
tainous terrain above the Arctic Circle with CLIMB
ØVERLITJØNNA
natural snow. The rumor has it that quite a few 36
of the pro team skiers have started to use the

REISTADLØPET
classic technique again to prepare for Reis- 26
KAMPENHYTTA
tadløpet.

What new does this year’s edition offer?


– The new climbing competition adds a new CLIMB
ORTA

CLASSIC SKIING WAY ABOVE THE


flavor to our race this year. We are working on 18

improving our service and the course to better


serve our skiers. We’re also further developing SPRINT

Article Circle
STORLØMYRA
the Race Village concept both at the start and 10
finish areas. START
SETERMOEN

How have you taken the pro and amateur COURSE PROFILE
aspects into account when organizing your

ET
TA

A
event?

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FO
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LIF
RM

PE

RL

DU
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TA
OR
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ØV
OR

KA

SU
ST
SE

BA
– For the pro teams we make sure that we 600 m

500 m
18

meet the standards for information, services, 400 m

300 m
26
36 39

race quality including the most demanding 200 m


10
50
100 m

mountains in Visma Ski Classics. Likewise for SPRINT CLIMB

amateurs, we facilitate a race for skiers who


love a scenic and demanding race based on WOMEN REISTADLØPET VII RESULTS MEN
our longstanding history from 1958, comprising
competitors at all levels. The High-North is full
of undiscovered treasures for travelers.
2:53:23 Justyna Kowalczyk 1 Petter Eliassen 2:31:41

“Pure arctic madness!”


What are the most challenging parts on the 2:54:18 Masako Ishida 2 Anders Aukland 2:34:58
course and what are the most scenic ones?
WITH ITS LOCATION far above the Arctic – The course starts easy in the bottom of the
Circle, Reistadløpet is the northernmost race TOP PLACES TO VISIT LOCATION valley before it enters the first real demand- 2:56:51 Astrid Øyre Slind 3 Simen Østensen 2:35:12
in the Visma Ski Classics tour. The race is 50 Bardufoss, Norway ing climb up to Orta, the first mountain pass.
• Lyngen Alps for some amazing skiing from
kilometers long in classic technique running Besides being a quite arduous segment, the
through an amazing arctic landscape of forests
the sea to the summit. In this area you WHEN
view is amazing reaching a climax at the top.
JUSTYNA KOWALCZYK’S TIPS FOR THE RACE
find the highest mountain in the county of April 7th 2018
and across mountains between the starting The next segment is purely high-mountain with
Troms, the Jiehkkevárri (1834 m above sea
point at Setermoen in the municipality of Bardu
and the finish line at Bardufoss in the municipal-
ity of Målselv.
level).
• The Polar Park, the northernmost wildlife
START TIME
Women CET 08:45
Men CET 09:00
speedy descents and all white view. After some
easy segments you enter a second long climb,
not as steep but challenging enough for most
1 Start working on your classic
technique and kick-waxing
know-how.
park, opened in 1994. This is a park for arctic
The course is a tough one with some steep DISTANCE skiers. Reaching the top, the high-mountain ter-
animals such as bear, wolf, lynx, wolverine
hills challenging the participants. The winners
of the race in 2017, Petter Eliassen and Justina
Kowalczyk, used kick-wax under their skis to
(glutton), musk, moose (elk), reindeer and
deer.
50 km Classic
Technique
rain opens up and the views are breathtaking.

Can you recall the most memorable event in


2 Excel in your downhill skills.

• The island of Senja regarded as Northern


3
climb the steep hills. PARTICIPANTS history? Be mentally prepared for
Norway in miniature with a mix of mountains, 1 200
Reistadløpet is one of the richest in traditions I have to say that last year’s race was excep- spectacular views of moun-
wilderness, small fishery villages and good
in Norway commemorating Colonel Ole Reistad, SPRINTS/CLIMBING tional because our race was able to break the tain scenery.
food.
a local ski legend. It was arranged for the first POINTS Visma Ski Classics double-poling trend and
time in 1958 and has since then been organized 1 Sprint point bring back the good old classic technique.
57 times. Four people have participated 50 2 Climb points
times or more.
reistadlopet.no

54 PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE 55
EVENT 11 YLLÄS-LEVI

Q&A With
Juha Vanhanen, Chief of Race
11 YLLÄS-LEVI
What makes your event special, the character- COURSE PROFILE
istics of your race?

I
RI

TT
LO

U
TU

AV
IR
PO

I
UN

LA
SP
RV
M
– Ylläs-Levi is, as the name implies, a race

NU

ÄN

ST
LO

A
S

KK

KA
ÄS

KE

TK

SIR
AA
ÄK


KU

PY
YL

Y1
600 m

between two rival ski resorts uniting them for a 500 m

400 m
7 22

common goal. The trademarks of our event are 300 m


14
35
45
55

67
200 m

certainly beautiful nature in Lapland, fresh air

YLLÄS-LEVI
100 m

and very varied course with three great climbs. SPRINT CLIMB

What new does this year’s edition offer?


– This year, we will have a shorter and easier
distance for recreational skiers. Our organiza- 67
FINISH
LEVI

FINNISH LAPLAND, SANTA CLAUS & tion is now top-notch and we know what to do.
We focus on marketing and promoting the up-
coming event telling people that the experience
55

Wonderful Skiing
KÄTKÄNLAAVU
SPRINT
PYHÄJÄRVI
here will be second-to-none. 45
35 AAKENUSPIRTTI
How have you taken the pro and amateur CLIMB
KUKASTUNTURI
aspects into account when organizing your 22

event? SPRINT
ÄKÄSLOMPOLO
– Besides the shorter distance, we will also wid- 14
en the existing course, improve our service sta-
7
tion offering and just raise the bar in general.” Y1
START
YLLÄS

What are the most challenging parts on the


course and what are the most scenic ones?
– Steep downhill sections could be challenging. WOMEN YLLÄS-LEVI VII RESULTS MEN
We also have three relatively long climbs, and
particularly the last one. The most beautiful 3:13:53 Katerina Smutná 1 Petter Eliassen 2:48:38
“A paradise for cross-country skiing offering a variety of ski courses part of the course is on the top of Kukastunturi,
the second climb.
with more than 500 km of groomed trails.” 3:13:53 Britta Johansson Norgren 2 Andreas Nygaard 2:49:37
When coming to your race, what does a
THE FIRST OFFICIAL Ylläs-Levi race was held Ylläs-Levi Region is a paradise for cross-coun- participant need to know about the event?
in 2016, and among the participants were some try skiing offering a variety of ski courses with LOCATION
Ylläs-Levi, Finland
– The weather can be capricious even in spring. 3:20:32 Justyna Kowalczyk 3 Stian Hoelgaard 2:49:38
famous cross-country skiers such as Pertti more than 500 km of groomed trails. Both Ylläs The start and finish are quite far apart. And
Teurajärvi, Olympic winner in 1976, Oddvar Brå, and Levi are also renowned downhill ski resorts WHEN
World Champion in 1982, and Jari Isometsä, mul- with more than 50,000 rooms available and
we really want to emphasize the fact that the PETTER ELIASSEN’S TIPS FOR THE RACE
April 14th 2018 National Park should be kept clean!
tiple podium places in the World Championships plentiful tourist attractions to satisfy a variety of

1
and the Olympics. desires. START TIME Do a lot of double-poling
The 67-kilometer race starts in Iso-Ylläs, a Women CET 08:25 What is the Visma Ski Classics impact on the
in easy terrain, at least two
ski resort located south of Yllästunturi. In the Men CET 09:00 event?
hours per week.
beginning, there is a challenging ascend to the – It’s the best thing that could have happened
DISTANCE to our Nordic skiing. It fortifies the sport. It will
mountaintop of Yllästunturi followed by a long
downhill to Äkäslompolo. The second long climb
takes skiers up to Kukastunturi where breath-
TOP 5 PLACES TO VISIT
67 km Classic
Technique
also bring international exposure to both ski
resorts.
2 Do some double-poling
intervals every week in
shorter hills.
taking views welcome all participants. From • All the good and unique Lappish PARTICIPANTS
What are your future prospects and develop-
3
there, the course goes downhill and through restaurants, e.g. Saamen Kammi 701 Decide beforehand if you
some flats until the last climb to Pyhätunturi. • Levin Iglut Golden Crown (24 glass ment plans?
ACTIVE YEARS are going for kick wax
The finish of the race is literally on the main igloos for accommodation) – We want to be the greatest and biggest ski
2 during the race, and if so, you
road leading into the center of Levi . • Cross-country ski trail system in Ylläs race in Finland, continue our cooperation with
should prepare for that as well.
The course is challenging but safe for all • Tonttula in Taivaanvalkeat, 8 km from Levi SPRINTS/CLIMBING Visma Ski Classics and make this event an
participants and suitable for recreational skiers (+ many other winter attractions) POINTS annual end-of-the season carnival.
as well. • Yllästunturi, the highest point in the area 2 Sprint points
1 Climb point
56 PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE yllaslevi.com PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE 57
SILLY SEASON

TEAM TRENTINO ROBINSON LINA KORSGREN (previously Team Lease-

Silly
Trainer is somewhat a conjunction Plan) is on a new Visma Ski Classics team:
between last season’s Team Robin- Åre Längdskidklubb. They have an interesting
son Trainer and Team Xcaliber Lill- squad with Korsgren, her boyfriend Gustaf
sport. Except from Heli Heiskanen Berglund, Karl Zeitz and Jenny Grip. It will be
(FIN) and Justyna Kowalczyk (POL), exciting to see Grip in the tracks again. She
all athletes on the team are Italian. won the overall title in 2012 and quit professio-

Season
nal skiing after the season of 2013.

TEAM SANTANDER has – as mentioned


– lost their two female skiers. Instead they
put all their eggs in one basket and trust their
recruit Kari Vikhagen Gjeitnes. On the men’s
side, they have lost Snorri Einarsson, Jens
Eriksson (to Team Tynell) and Johan Olsson
(retired). To fill the gap from those athletes
the team director Jørgen Aukland has recrui-
ted Oskar Kardin, previously Team Serneke.
A new season of Visma Ski Classics is coming up! That means new teams
and several transfers among the Pro Teams. Here is a summary of silly season!
Text: Erik Wickström
TEAM LEASEPLAN has retired LAGER 157 SKI TEAM doesn’t change much in
as a team. All Pro Athletes have their squad, lead by Visma Ski Classics Champion
found new teams, except from Britta Johansson Norgren. They only have one
Petter Eliassen who probably will addition to the team. Anton Karlsson raced some
BAUER SKI TEAM stems from SERAINA BONER is one discontinue with professional skiing. Visma Ski Classics events for the team last year
Team Pioneer Investments, with of the most successful long and proved to be a great sprinter. Now he is an
stars like Ilya Chernousov and distance skier ever. Now important part of the team and his goal is to win
Barbara Jezersek. Last year they she will join the recently STIAN HOELGAARD (previously Team
the green sprint bib.
were 7th in the team competition, started Team Skigo. Could LeasePlan) has joined Team United Bakeries.
but a good guess is that they will that bring her back in good They have also recruited Torleif Syrstad from
improve that position. old shape? Team Synnfjell, who was 8th in Marcialonga last
season. Masako Ishida and Chris Jespersen is
not part of the team anymore. Ishida will focus
JUSTYNA KOWALCZYK has transferred from Team Santander on the Olympics and Jespersen is hired as a
to a new Italian team directed by Pro Athlete Bruno Debertolis: Team squire for Petter Northug. Rumour says that
Trentino Robinson Trainer. Kowalczyk won two events last year and Team United Bakeries has lost their title sponsor
will be a great recruit for the team. but still keep their name?
KATERINA SMUTNA has transferred from Team
Santander to the new Bauer Ski Team, directed by Pro
Athlete Lukas Bauer. Smutna won five consecutive AMONG THE NEW PRO teams not previously mentioned we seem to find Team Norgeshus/ ANDERS MØLMEN
events last season and finished second overall. Maxpulse from Norway, Team Peltonen and Team Fullfit from Finland. Also, the Norwegian team Lyn HØST (previously
Ski Moseteråsen is back in the circuit same as the German team xc-ski.de A│N Skimarathon Team. Team LeasePlan) will
be a significant addition
EVELINA BÅNGMAN has joined Ski Team Mä-
to Team Serneke. They
enpää. The Swede won the pink bib last season while TEAM BN BANK is a small Nor-
need a strong skier on
racing for Team SkiProAm, which now has resigned wegian team managed by Øystein
the men’s side since
as a team. “Pølsa” Pettersen. They had a great
they lost Oskar Kardin
start as a team last year, despite a
to Team Santander.
miserable day at Vasaloppet. It se-
TEAM OSLO SPORTSLAGER – RUSTAD IL ems like the main squad consisting
will have a surprisingly strong team this season, with of Pølsa, Morten Eide Pedersen
all Norwegians except from Lasse Hulgaard from Den- and Simen Østensen will continue
mark. They have three solid recruits: Kjetil Dammen and reach even higher next season.
and Torgeir Skare Thygesen from Team LeasePlan, as They have made a noteworthy
well as Anders Gløersen who is a former member of recruit in the former professional
the national team. football player John Arne Riise.

58 PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE 59
SILLY SEASON

Changes
VISMA SKIER OF PRO TEAM TEMPO
THE DAY AWARD Each Pro Team calculate
After each event the Race third best male into a total
Director will award the Visma Male time. All Pro Team
Skier of the Day. The award is female athletes start in a
handed out if a female or male pursuit calculated on the
skier has significantly tried to total male time, if more than
set pace in the race. one female athlete in a Pro Team
they start together at the same

IN VISMA SKI CLASSICS start time. Firs t female athletes to


finish the pursuit decides the result
of the Pro Team Tempo. Mini-
mum 3 skiers per team on the
There are several updates in the Visma Ski Classics season VIII. Some of the main Pro Team Tempo must start
differences are the new Climb Competition, new rules for Team Competition, Visma in order to receive Pro Team
Nordic Trophy and the Visma Skier Of The Day Award. points.
If the Pro Team doesn’t
Text: Erik Wickström
have 3 men athletes on the
THE MOST APPARENT different from part of the international long distance opening race takes place in Pontresina, start line, the Pro Team
the last to the upcoming season of Vis- skiing championship. Switzerland, in the end of November. female skiers will start 30
ma Ski Classics is the number of events Another update is that the Pro Team There are also several news among seconds after last female
– from thirteen to eleven. Vasaloppet Tempo is back, after one year with an in- the competitions within Visma Ski in the pursuit. If no female
China and Årefjällsloppet are no longer dividual prologue. Just like last year, the Classics! is starting in the pursuit
the pro team will be placed
after the last female skiers
finishing the pursuit
PRO TEAM COMPETITION CLIMB COMPETITION POINTS FOR CHAMPION COMPETITION according to the male Pro
The Pro Team Competition is determined by The squared patterned “lumberjack” This season 60 athletes will get points in the Champion Team time. In the female
adding the Champion points from the Pro climb bib is worn by the female and Competition instead of 50. The range is 200, 170, 150, 130, race, the race director
Team’s two best male athletes, the best female male skier with the most current climb 120, 105…3, 2, 1 points. This applies to both women and men. can decide to use
athlete, the total sprint points, the total climb points. There are 0, 1 or 2 climb check- wave start.
points and the total youth points in each event. points in each event. The five fastest All Pro Team
The Pro Team with the most total points in each female and ten fastest men split times athletes starting and
event will receive Pro Team points according to at the climb checkpoint will get points. finishing within 20%
a distribution of 200, 170, 140, 120 etc down to The overall winner is the athlete with of the winning time in
19 points for the 30th team. most climb points after the season in the Pro Team Tempo
This implies that a team only can get a total each gender. “Lumberjack” bib holders will get 50 individual
of 200 points in one single event, in contrast to are permitted to use a patterned race bonus points in the
previous seasons where a team could get well suit and hat within regulations. Champion bib
over 500 points. competition.

VISMA ALP TROPHY


The Visma Alp Trophy is
An exciting
decided by adding the
champion points in event 3,
POINTS FOR SPRINT COMPETITION
This season five female athletes will get points in the Sprint
Competition instead of three. The range is 30, 24, 17, 9, 4
season lays
ahead of us!
4, 5 and 6, all taking place in
points. Among the men ten athletes will get points instead of
the Alps. This competition

CLIMB CLIMB
seven. The range is 50, 39, 31,7, 4, 1 points.
is similar to the Visma Nor-
dic Trophy – which includes
event 8, 9, 10 and 11 in the BEST EVENT AND TEAM DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR
Nordic countries – that was In the end of each season the Pro Team athletes and staff will
introduced last season. vote to select the best Event of the year and the Pro Team
Director of the year.

60 PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE 61
CONTENTS

VISMA SKI CLASSICS PRO TEAMS


Another exciting long distance pro skiing sea-
son will soon be upon us, and Visma Ski Classics
has grown taller and become more handsome
every year. Baby steps have been taken, and we
are now heading towards a thrilling future. This
new season, number VIII, comes with interesting
changes and some downhearted losses.
There is a new competition, the hill climb, the
rules have been changed and new teams are
entering the game. The other side of the coin
is a bit bleaker as one of the best groups in the
tour, Team LeasePlan, said goodbye and left the
stage as did its shining star Petter Eliassen. Also,
the inspiring all-girl team, Ski Pro AM, decided
to step aside, but there are some brand new
teams testing the waters of professional long
distance skiing.
All together we have 28 teams, the Northern
European teams naturally dominate, but the
greatest improvement comes from Finland
that now has three teams instead of the usual
one. The teams come from these countries: 11
from Norway, 6 from Sweden, 3 from Finland,
PRO TEAMS 3  from Czech Republic, 2 from Germany (a good
number considering that there is no race there),
Team Santander.............................................................................................................................. 64
1 from Austria, 1 from Russia and 1 from Italy as
Lager 157 Ski Team........................................................................................................................ 66
the two existing teams merged.
Team United Bakeries.................................................................................................................. 67
As this year’s Pro Skiing magazine has under-
Team BN Bank.................................................................................................................................. 68
gone a facelift, this section has a new flavor as
Team Serneke................................................................................................................................... 69
well. Each team provided us with their slogans,
Bauer Ski Team ............................................................................................................................... 70
a war-cry if you wish, to lift our spirits and tune
Russian Marathon Team ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 72
us all for the glorious fight that is about ensue.
Team Trentino Robinson Trainer ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 73
In every category, that fight will be fiercer than
Team Tynell........................................................................................................................................ 74
ever before making this season an extremely
Team Synnfjell................................................................................................................................... 75
suspenseful one to watch. So, join us, have fun
Vltava Fund Craft Team ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 76
and let’s party together in Levi when the season
Silvini Madshus Team.. ................................................................................................................. 76
is over.
Team Mäenpää . . ............................................................................................................................... 77
By Teemu Virtanen
Team Telemark. . ................................................................................................................................ 77
Team Igne............................................................................................................................................ 78
Team ParkettPartner.................................................................................................................... 78
Team Forever Nordic.................................................................................................................... 79
Skimarathon Team Austria ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 79 Teemu Virtanen
JBrink Ski Team. . ............................................................................................................................. 80 is the author of the
Team Oslo Sportslager - Rustad IL ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 80 Team analysis on
Team Mosetertoppen Skiline ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 81 the coming pages.
LYN SKI Moseteråsen. . .................................................................................................................. 81
FullFit Team. . ...................................................................................................................................... 82
Team Peltonen. . ................................................................................................................................ 82
Team Norgeshus Maxpulse ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 83
ÅRE Längdskidklubb.................................................................................................................... 83
xc-ski.de A│N Skimarathon Team ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 84
Skigo XC Team................................................................................................................................. 84

62 PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE 63
TEAM SANTANDER

SANTANDER

01
TEAM RANKING
15/11/2017 “To be the hunted team
makes us motivated!”

TEEMU’S ANALYSIS
A Spanish bank and some Norwegian power
– that is the combination that makes the earth
tremble, at least the ground the Visma Classics
A. Aukland T.A. Gjerdalen
athletes stampede on. To be fair, the team is not
just empowered by Norwegian superiority as
there is a rising Swede in their ranks. Oskar Kar-
din, the team believes, will be the next Swedish
Vasaloppet winner, and why not, this lad stood
O. Kardin A. Nygaard on the podium in Årefjällsloppet last year.
First and foremost, Team Santander is the
Aukland brothers’ team. Jørgen is now behind-
the-scenes pulling the strings with Magnar
Dalen while Anders, does not know how to quit.
Ø. M. Fjeld K.V. Gjeitnes Good for him as he is still pushing the envelope
and showing the skiing world that age is indeed
just a number (1st in Årefjällsloppet & 2nd in
Reistadløpet last year).
The Yellow bib winner and Mr. Marcialon-
ga, Tord Asle Gjerdalen, will again be hard to
beat. But the competition is getting fiercer, and
his toughest opponent may just come within
his own team. The Green Bib winner Andreas
Nygaard is on his way to the throne...
Øyvind Moen Fjeld, was in the top 18 in every
race except Marcialonga (26th) last season, and
he was 4th in Vasaloppet and 6th in Birkebeiner-
rennet in 2016. If he is the weakest link, this team
is practically unbeatable. And they have been
that way for three straight years.
TEAM NAME Justyna Kowalczyk and Katerina Smutná
TEAM SANTANDER jumped ship leaving the team (they also lost
TEAM DIRECTOR NAME Snorri Einarsson and Jens Eriksson). Kari Vikha-
MAGNAR DALEN & JØRGEN AUKLAND gen Gjeitnes is certainly trying to fill that hole,
TEAM WEBSITE
but she is no superstar yet (but a great skier; 3rd
TEAMSANTANDER.NO in Årefjällsloppet last season). As Magnar has
said in many occasions; the upcoming season
TEAM FACEBOOK PAGE
TEAMSANTANDER will be the hardest to win for the team! But being
hunted keeps them on their toes!
RANKING NAME NAT. GENDER DOB HEIGHT WEIGHT SKIS BOOTS POLES WINS
15/11/2017
1 Tord Asle Gjerdalen NOR Male 08/03/1983 180 cm 69 kg Fischer Fischer Swix 6
4 Anders Aukland NOR Male 09/12/1972 179 cm 69 kg Fischer Fischer Swix 9
5 Andreas Nygaard NOR Male 11/22/1990 193 cm 88 kg Fischer Fischer Swix 2
10 Øyvind Moen Fjeld NOR Male 01/10/1988 179 cm 81 kg Fischer Alpina Swix -
14 Kari Vikhagen Gjeitnes NOR Female 01/13/1985 174 cm 60 kg Fischer Fischer Swix -
21 Oskar Kardin SWE Male 01/13/1992 185 cm 80 kg Fischer Fischer Swix -

64 PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE 65
TEAM LAGER 157 SKI TEAM TEAM UNITED BAKERIES

LAGER 157 SKI TEAM UNITED BAKERIES

02 03
TEAM RANKING TEAM RANKING
15/11/2017 ”Sweden’s leading long 15/11/2017 “A bun stop a day makes
distance ski team” a skier’s life ok!”

TEEMU’S ANALYSIS TEEMU’S ANALYSIS


This Swedish team had an impressive year and No rest for the wicked or pastries for the lazy
took home a nice trophy for their efforts as the ones! Sicknesses, mishaps and bad luck were
second best team in the long distance ski circus. certainly unwanted companions all season VII
B. J. Norgren M. Johansson J. K. Dahl S. Hoelgaard
The queen in the court is certainly Britta Jo- (2016/17) for the bakeries, but there were some
hansson Norgren who had a severe fight against occasional great moments; John Kristian Dahl’s
Katerina Smutná all season long. For a while it third victory in Vasaloppet, Johan Kjølstad’s
looked like the Czech lady was going to win. But good performances in the early season (e.g.
Britta finally triumphed in Vasaloppet and then 2nd in Marcialonga), Tore Bjorseth Berdal’s two
O. Persson F. Byström repeated the feat by conquering Årefjällsloppet. T. B. Berdal T. Syrstad top 10 places in the end of the season, and of
She won the Yellow Jersey and will start the new course, Astrid Oyre Slind’s consistency through-
season as the reigning Hertz Champion. out the season; in the top 6 in every race except
Let´s then take a look at these knights who Årefjällsloppet (5 podium places).
gallantly stand by their queen. They all are Now, the team is not looking back on the
M. Ottosson S. Palm extremely gifted skiers on their way to the top. A. Ø. Slind turbulent season number seven, and they will
The podium was close when Markus Ottoson seriously challenge Team Santander as the
passed the Mora Church and finally crossed the greatest team in the club. They also want to
finish line as the fourth skier in Vasaloppet. That excel at winning in the Holy Trinity of the races;
was not the only good race he can be proud of Marcialonga, Vasaloppet and Birkebeinerrennet.
J. Johnson A. Karlsson as he managed to get five other top 20 finishes The team has signed two new names, Stian
under his belt. His teammate Fredrik Byström Hoelgaard (formely in Team LeasePlan, now
also did well in Vasaloppet (11th) and pushed defunct) and Torleif Syrstad, (formely in Team
himself to the top 15 eight times, of which three Synnfjell) and they both have certainly proven
in the top 10. themselves as worthy players. Stian won the
Oscar Persson finished 4th in Vasaloppet youth category and was 4th in the overall results
China (9 times in the top 20) while Marcus and managed to be on the podium four times
Johansson was 7th in the same race and got (3rd every time). Torleif did not manage quite
four top 20 places. Jimmie Johnsson and Anton that well, but he did every race except Vasa-
TEAM NAME Karlsson are both solid top 30 skiers, and Stefan loppet China and finished 19th in the overall
LAGER 157 SKI TEAM Palm, 47, is a great master skier with his 92nd competition, Marcialonga’s 8th place as his best.
TEAM DIRECTOR NAME place in Marcialonga and 118th in Vasaloppet. Team United Bakeries really has all the
ANTON JÄRNBERG No wonder this team is the second best in TEAM NAME elements to be the cream of the crop, but
TEAM WEBSITE Visma Ski Classics. Only time will tell if one of TEAM UNITED BAKERIES everything needs to be in place. Johan Kjøls-
LAGER157SKITEAM.COM these troopers will be crowned The King come TEAM DIRECTOR NAME tad’s retirement is a big blow to the team. But
TEAM FACEBOOK PAGE
the gala night in Levi. Nygaard, Hoelgaard, BERNHARD RØNNING the show goes on, and these guys need wins,
LAGER157SKITEAM Gjerdalen and the rest – be afraid, very afraid, TEAM WEBSITE regular podium places and a strong team play. If
because these guys are coming with vengeance. TEAM-UNITED-BAKERIES.NO/LANGRENN that happens, they may reward themselves with
TEAM FACEBOOK PAGE
those sweet goodies their sponsor so zealously
RANKING NAME NAT. GENDER DOB HEIGHT WEIGHT SKIS BOOTS POLES WINS
15/11/2017 TEAMLANGRENN provides them when the season is over.
1 Britta Johansson Norgren SWE Female 03/30/1983 170 cm 66 kg Fischer Fischer Swix 8
12 Fredrik Byström SWE Male 03/26/1982 180 cm 78 kg Madshus Madshus KV+ - RANKING NAME NAT. GENDER DOB HEIGHT WEIGHT SKIS BOOTS POLES WINS
13 Markus Ottosson SWE Male 08/17/1986 185 cm 84 kg Madshus Alpina KV+ - 15/11/2017
17 Marcus Johansson SWE Male 03/21/1990 178 cm 74 kg Madshus Alpina KV+ - 3 Astrid Øyre Slind NOR Female 02/09/1988 174 cm 62 kg Madshus Alpina Swix -
19 Oscar Persson SWE Male 09/19/1992 183 cm 75 kg Peltonen Alpina KV+ - 2 Stian Hoelgaard NOR Male 09/25/1991 176 cm 74 kg Madshus Alpina Swix -
27 Jimmie Johnsson SWE Male 06/06/1985 185 cm 78 kg Madshus Madshus KV+ - 6 John Kristian Dahl NOR Male 03/27/1981 186 cm 80 kg Madshus Alpina Swix 5
54 Anton Karlsson SWE Male 01/29/1990 183 cm 80 kg Fischer Alpina KV+ - 11 Tore Bjørseth Berdal NOR Male 03/02/1988 183 cm 77 kg Fischer Fischer Swix -
- Stefan Palm SWE Male 07/20/1970 183 cm 82 kg Madshus Madshus KV+ - 25 Torleif Syrstad NOR Male 04/11/1994 180 cm 78 kg Fischer Fischer Swix -

66 PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE 67
TEAM BN BANK TEAM SERNEKE

BN BANK SERNEKE

04 05 “Next generation of
TEAM RANKING TEAM RANKING
15/11/2017 “If we can’t make it fun 15/11/2017

– we can’t get it done!” long distance skiers”

TEEMU’S ANALYSIS TEEMU’S ANALYSIS


BN Bank is a small but extremely tough team. You win some, you loose some! That’s the name
They are in for the kill and kill they shall. But in of the game in sports, and Team Serneke lost
midst of their battle, they never lose sight of one of its rising stars Oskar Kardin who joined
M. E. Pedersen Ø. Pettersen S. Lindborg A.M. Høst
the most important thing; having fun! They take the Aukland gang, but gained momentum when
their business seriously, but they always give us Anders Mølmen Høst came knocking after his
a wink and have a couple of wisecracks in their Team LeasePlan closed a chapter in their skiing
pockets. life and bid adieu to us all.
The team’s “energizer bunny” Øystein Pet- The expression “there’s strength in numbers”
S. Østensen N.I. Aadne tersen is well equipped to crack jokes at press A. Holmberg B.N. Impola may not necessarily apply to this team as there
conferences and off-the-track, but he also pos- are only four members, but they are adamant in
sesses the capacity to be on the top; nine times their quest for hegemony in Visma Ski Classics.
in the top 6 individually since 2014 (4 times on Last season, Serneke was the surprise team of
the podium, one victory in La Diagonela in 2015). the year, but now they have to step up and gaze
Morten Eide Pedersen has an even more upon future podium places. Sara Lindborg is for
impressive resume as he has 13 top 6 places of sure a name for those podium places; with five
which six on the podium and two wins (Jizer- 3rd places last year. She is definitely eyeing up
ska in 2015 & 2017). The third musketeers in the same, or even better, success this season.
the troop is Simen Østensen who has 10 top 6 The aforementioned Høst is certainly the
places; four times on the podium and one victory best male contender for showing up at flower
in Marcialonga in 2014. ceremonies on regular basis. 2016 was a good
The fourth sword master in this upbeat year for him; 3rd in Vasaloppet and 9th overall,
motley crew has not been on the podium, but he but last year less so (5th in Årefjällsloppet as his
can beat Øystein and his teammates in the joke best result).
department. The comedy king and a famous Andreas Holmberg, a young and talented
Norwegian stand-up comedian Nils Ingar Aadne 25-year-old skier, transferred from Mora IFK and
performed amazingly well last season by being is ready to take the crucial step towards great-
in the top 60 in four races, Reistadløpet’s 46th ness. He was in the top 30 in every race except
place as his best result. Birkebeinerrennet and Ylläs-Levi, Marcialonga
This team will definitely provoke the top being his best (13th).
three teams to fight harder, but without a lady Then, we have one of the Impola brothers,
in the house they will find it really hard to be on Bob, in the team. He is; sometimes among the
TEAM NAME the podium in the team competition. They will TEAM NAME best, the other times far away from the top (5th
TEAM BN BANK be there in individual races, and they are truly TEAM SERNEKE in Sgambeda, 13th in Vasaloppet – 73rd in Birke-
TEAM DIRECTOR NAME challenging the status quo of the sport in every TEAM DIRECTOR NAME
beinerrennet, 55th in Årefjällsloppet).
SIGURD GRANMARK aspect. One being the comedy, and perhaps we MARTIN HOLMSTRAND Team Serneke can do well if everyone is able
TEAM WEBSITE
should give them the stage at the season-end- TEAM WEBSITE
to perform at his/her best, but a small team like
- ing gala and let them entertain us. TEAMSERNEKE.COM this is always very vulnerable. So, there is abso-
lutely no room for mistakes or bad luck.
TEAM FACEBOOK PAGE TEAM FACEBOOK PAGE
- TEAMSERNEKE

RANKING NAME NAT. GENDER DOB HEIGHT WEIGHT SKIS BOOTS POLES WINS RANKING NAME NAT. GENDER DOB HEIGHT WEIGHT SKIS BOOTS POLES WINS
15/11/2017 15/11/2017
3 Morten Eide Pedersen NOR Male 12/18/1987 174 cm 74 kg - - - 2 4 Sara Lindborg SWE Female 11/13/1983 172 cm 62 kg Madshus Alpina Swix -
9 Øystein Pettersen NOR Male 01/19/1983 181 cm 79 kg - - - 1 8 Anders Mølmen Høst SWE Male 06/09/1991 181 cm 75 kg Atomic Atomic One Way -
16 Simen Østensen NOR Male 08/04/1984 189 cm 84 kg - - - 1 30 Andreas Holmberg SWE Male 12/08/1992 187 cm 82 kg Fischer Fischer Swix -
74 Nils-Ingar Aadne NOR Male 09/10/1982 174 cm 69 kg - - - - 33 Bob Niemi Impola SWE Male 05/29/1992 170 cm 72 kg Fischer Alpina Six-Ten -

68 PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE 69
TEAM BAUER SKI TEAM

BAUER SKI TEAM

06
TEAM RANKING
15/11/2017 “Motto is not needed, just
enjoy pure racing madness!”

TEEMU’S ANALYSIS
The word “Legend” may often be used too
gauzily in sports, but Lukas Bauer has truly
earned this title. He has three Olympic medals,
K. Smutná B. Jezersek
two World Championship medals, one Junior
Championship medal, two Tour de Ski victories,
one overall World Cup win and countless podium
places in the FIS World Cup.
His team certainly has more winners in the
I. Chernousov L. Bauer shape of two great athletes; Katerina Smutná
and Ilya Chernousov.
Katerina left Team Santader and walked into
the room where Mr.Bauer was having his party.
And that’s exactly what the party needed – a
J. Šrail A. Jeannerod homebred winner with five consecutive victories
last season. Ilya, on the other hand, was already
a member of the team, then known as Team Pio-
neer Investments, and a strong one indeed with
his win in La Diagonela, 2nd place in Sgambeda
A. Fellner and 8th in the overall results.
The four other skiers in the team do not have
the same reputation but they play an important
supporting role in Lukas Bauer’s narrative.
Jan Šrail is a good top 40/50 skier while
Alexia Jeannerod is a tad better with his 10th
place in Reistadlöpet and 20th in Ylläs-Levi.
Adam Fellner does not pale in comparison
with his 28th place in Reistadløpet and 40th in
Ylläs-Levi. Barbara Jezersek brings some exotic
TEAM NAME
flavor to the party as she hails from the land of
BAUER SKI TEAM koala bears and kangaroos. She was last season
in the top 10 in every individual race except
TEAM DIRECTOR NAME
Årefjällsloppet and Birkebeinerrennet.
LUKÁŠ BAUER
The Australian influence is fortified by Rus-
TEAM WEBSITE
sian (Ilya) and French (Alexis) expertise making
TEAMPIONEERINVESTMENTS.COM
this Czech team an intriguing international per-
TEAM FACEBOOK PAGE
formance troupe acting on the stage of Visma
BAUERSKITEAM Ski Classics.
RANKING NAME NAT. GENDER DOB HEIGHT WEIGHT SKIS BOOTS POLES WINS
15/11/2017
2 Kateřina Smutná CZE Female 06/13/1983 171 cm 60 kg Fischer Alpina Leki 10
8 Barbara Jezersek AUS Female 10/31/1986 160 cm 55 kg Atomic Atomic Leki -
14 Ilya Chernousov RUS Male 08/07/1986 175 cm 72 kg Rossignol Rossignol Swix 1
28 Lukáš Bauer CZE Male 08/18/1977 181 cm 74 kg Fischer Alpina Leki -
42 Jan Šrail CZE Male 12/18/1990 189 cm 88 kg Salomon Salomon Leki -
43 Alexis Jeannerod FRA Male 01/27/1991 188 cm 78 kg Fischer Fischer Leki -
49 Adam Fellner CZE Male 08/10/1993 176 cm 70 kg Rossignol Rossignol Leki -

70 PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE 71
TEAM RUSSIAN MARATHON TEAM TEAM TRENTINO ROBINSON TRAINER

RUSSIAN MARATHON TEAM TRENTINO ROBINSON TRAINER

07 “If it fits for your profile,


08
TEAM RANKING TEAM RANKING
15/11/2017 15/11/2017 “Many things are difficult,
it’s good.” but impossible is nothing!”

TEEMU’S ANALYSIS TEEMU’S ANALYSIS


Russia is one of the majors when it comes to Nor- This is a new team with old influences as it came
dic skiing, there is one team from that vast land about when two Italian teams, Robinson Trainer
in Visma Ski Classics upcoming season VIII. We and Xcalibur Lill-Sport, united and became the
V. Melina L. Ryasina J. Kowalczyk H. A. Heiskanen
also witnessed two wins for Russians last season: only Visma Ski Classics team from the land of
Ilya Chernousov in La Diagonela representing this pasta dishes, leaning towers and cities floating
season Bauer Ski Team (former Pioneer Invest- on water. This team may seem and sound Italian,
ments) and Olga Rotcheva in Vasaloppet China, but there is some international flavor spicing up
representing Russian Marathon vTeam. Olga is the broth they are serving us this season.
A. Dvoskin E. Vokuey not among the names registered for the upcom- B. Debertolis M. Brigadoi The best long distance skier from Finland
ing season, but there are five other eager skiers Heli Heiskanen (6th last year) is one of their
ready to rumble in the snow jungle. strongest point hunters while the leader of the
Alexey Dvoskin came home from China as a gang Bruno Debertolis is the most achieved
happy man with his only top 10 position of the male skier (race results between 10th to 43rd).
M. Kovalev N. Shunyaeva season (8th and 16th in Sgambeda) while Ermil L. Frasnelli D. Noeckler But the shining star comes from Poland and
Vokuev performed even better by being 4th has a name of Justyna Kowalczyk. She left the
in Jizerska and 18th in Ylläs-Levi (his only two number one team (Team Santander) and found
races last season). Maxim Kovalev is the team’s her new home in the house that Bruno built.
third male skier, he has not much to write home Mauro Brigadoi, 25, might be the next Italian
about in terms of long distance results, but he I. Debertolis F. Ferrari superstar in long distance skiing if the stars
is the winner of the men’s classic sprint at the align and his training goes well. He was in the
World University Games. Maxim may indeed max top 20 three times last season, 11th place in
out in Visma Ski Classics. Toblach-Cortina being his best result. Dietmar
There are two female athletes in the team. Noeckler, one of the best sprinters in Italy (2nd
Viktoria Melina is no stranger to Visma Ski in team sprint in Lahti 2017, 3rd in Falun 2015),
Classics, and she did four races, including the is certainly an interesting addition, but he has
prologue, last season. She was able to bring in not much experience in tough long distance
valuable points to her team with her 4th place races. But then again, many sprinters have
in China, 11th in Sgambeda and 9th in Ylläs- TEAM NAME proven themselves worthy when stepping into
Levi. Larisa Ryasina is still a rookie in Visma Ski TEAM TRENTINO ROBINSON TRAINER the Visma Ski Classics arena. The remaining
TEAM NAME Classics, but it seems that long distances are TEAM DIRECTOR NAME three skiers, Ilaria Debertolis, Loris Frasnelli and
RUSSIAN MARATHON TEAM her cup of tea. She was 6th in 30 km Classic in BRUNO DEBERTOLIS Francesco Ferrari may not be the greatest threat
TEAM DIRECTOR NAME
the Russian National Championships and 6th in TEAM WEBSITE
Grenoble 1968-2018
50 th Franco Nones
gold medal
to the top skiers in the tour, but let’s give them a
MAREK PAZDERSKÝ La Diagonela. ROBINSONSKITEAM.COM chance to prove themselves.
This is a good overall team, but they need a This team has a solid roster and Justyna’s
TEAM WEBSITE TEAM FACEBOOK PAGE
superstar in the team. That may, of course, hap- help after the Olympics will ensure that this
- TEAMTRENTINOROBINSONTRAINER
pen in some individual races, and those points team will most likely stay in the top 10.
TEAM FACEBOOK PAGE
are absolutely crucial to this team to maintain
RUSSIANMARATHONTEAM RANKING NAME NAT. GENDER DOB HEIGHT WEIGHT SKIS BOOTS POLES WINS
their top 10 position. 15/11/2017

RANKING NAME NAT. GENDER DOB HEIGHT WEIGHT SKIS BOOTS POLES WINS 7 Justyna Kowalczyk POL Female 01/23/1983 174 cm 62 kg Fischer Alpina Swix 4
15/11/2017 9 Heli Annika Heiskanen FIN Female 03/31/1981 175 cm 58 kg Rossignol Rossignol One Way -
12 Viktoria Melina RUS Female 11/01/1981 171 cm 54 kg Fischer Alpina - - 23 Bruno Debertolis ITA Male 08/04/1978 179 cm 73 kg Rossignol Rossignol KV+ -
17 Larisa Ryasina RUS Female 05/29/1987 172 cm 64 kg Fischer Salomon - - 37 Mauro Brigadoi ITA Male 01/05/1992 174 cm 72 kg Fischer Fischer Swix -
32 Alexey Dvoskin RUS Male 12/25/1983 177 cm 75 kg Fischer Fischer - - 48 Loris Frasnelli ITA Male 02/22/1979 178 cm 74 kg Salomon Salomon KV+ -
43 Ermil Vokuey RUS Male 03/29/1992 180 cm 77 kg Fischer Alpina - - - Dietmar Noeckler ITA Male 09/29/1988 182 cm 76 kg Fischer Fischer KV+ -
- Maxim Kovalev RUS Male 10/29/1989 189 cm 83 kg Fischer Alpina - - - Ilaria Debertolis ITA Female 09/17/1989 169 cm 56 kg Fischer Alpina KV+ -
- Nadezhda Shunyaeva RUS Female 11/11/1993 167 cm 63 kg Atomic Atomic - - - Francesco Ferrari ITA Male 05/31/1994 187 cm 72 kg Fischer Fischer KV+ -

72 PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE 73
TEAM TYNELL TEAM SYNNFJELL

TYNELL SYNNFJELL

09 10
TEAM RANKING TEAM RANKING
15/11/2017 “With pleasure, passion and 15/11/2017

heart we fight as a tight family”

TEEMU’S ANALYSIS TEEMU’S ANALYSIS


From two to many! This team started out as a From the mountains they came, down to the val-
vehicle for the Tynell brothers to race competi- ley they wandered and through the misty fields
tively in the demanding Visma Ski Classics tour. they walked summoned by the almighty gods of
L. Kveli J. Ahrlin
Daniel, of course, was a national long distance S. Hoelzle E. Nydal
long distance skiing. A bit too poetic, I know, but
hero in his homeland Sweden with his three fitting nevertheless as Synnfjell is a mountain
Vasaloppet wins while Rickard amazed everyone area in Norway with thousands of cabins and
by winning the first La Diagonela in 2014. The endless amount of cross-country ski trails.
former had to retire from the field due to his These skiers have not literarily rambled their
J. Eriksson R. Tynell heart problems and is now running the team. B. Gjelten B.A. Svenkerud way down from those mountains to the world of
Among the swedes there is a Norwegian skier Visma Ski Classics, but they have certainly been
in the ranks as well; the two-time Vasaloppet around for more than a decade. The Synnfjell
winner Laila Kveli. Her other half Jerry Ahrlin, squad finished 12th in the team competition,
three-time Marcialonga winner, joined the team which is quite impressive considering that there
F. Sätter M. Johansson a year ago offering much needed experience P. Å. Joten S. Berg are no major stars in the team.
All these three skiers represent the “old The current members Runar Hermo and
guard” with their past merits and vast expe- Erlend Nydal managed to pull off a few good
rience. Last season was challenging for all of performances where they found themselves in
them as Rikard’s two 13th places (La Diagonela the top 50 while Pål Åge Joten and Stian Berg
& Toblach/Cortina), Jerry’s 14th place in To- R. Hermo C. Winker were less successful.
blach/Cortina and Laila’s 6th place in Vasaloppet Of the three girls in the team, only Svenja
turned out to be the best results from these Hoelzle was a regular face in the game. This
seasoned skiers. Swiss-born skier led the youth competition for
But perhaps, the new face in the club, Jens some time until Evelina Bångman took the reins
Eriksson, can juice things up a bit. He transfered and won the category. The two other girls Berit
from Team Santander, and this Swede and Vasa- Gjelten and Berthe Annette Svenkerud need
loppet seem to go together since his best results to dip their toes in the waters of the Visma Ski
came from Vasaloppet China (2nd) and the main Classics pool and learn the craft.
race in Sweden (8th). If he can get more podium TEAM NAME As this team lost its best skier Torleif Syrstad,
places, Laila can find her mojo again and Rikard TEAM SYNNFJELL who gave in to his sweet tooth and moved to
TEAM NAME
and Jerry can support them well, this team will TEAM DIRECTOR NAME
the “bakery team,” it will be extremely tough for
TEAM TYNELL climb the Visma Ski Classics ladder. GEIR KVILLUM them to shine when the winter falls upon us. But
There is more to this team than these leg- never count out the mountain spirit of Synnfjell
TEAM DIRECTOR NAME TEAM WEBSITE
ends. Martin Johansson, 19, still has a long way – miracles can happen!
DANIEL TYNELL TEAMSYNNFJELL.COM
to the top (668th in Vasaloppet last year), but
TEAM WEBSITE TEAM FACEBOOK PAGE
he has years to do it while Fredrik Sätter,45, may
TEAMTYNELL.SE
have seen his golden days but remains a solid
TEAMSYNNFJELL
TEAM FACEBOOK PAGE
elite skier in Vasaloppet (top 150).
TEAMTYNELL RANKING NAME NAT. GENDER DOB HEIGHT WEIGHT SKIS BOOTS POLES WINS
15/11/2017

RANKING NAME NAT. GENDER DOB HEIGHT WEIGHT SKIS BOOTS POLES WINS 13 Svenja Hoelzle CHE Female 11/10/1995 152 cm 50 kg Madshus Madshus Exel -
15/11/2017 72 Erlend Nydal NOR Male 11/05/1992 186 cm 82 kg Fischer Alpina Swix -
10 Laila Kveli NOR Female 10/22/1987 157 cm 52 kg Salomon Salomon Swix 2 - Berit Gjelten NOR Female 07/25/1987 165 cm 58 kg Madshus Salomon Swix -
22 Jerry Ahrlin SWE Male 01/15/1978 189 cm 84 kg Salomon Salomon Swix 3 - Berthe Annette Svenkerud NOR Female 12/11/1985 160 cm 56 kg Madshus Alpina - -
24 Jens Eriksson SWE Male 04/04/1987 185 cm 84 kg Salomon Salomon Swix - - Pål Åge Joten NOR Male 01/01/1992 184 cm 77 kg Madshus Alpina Swix -
34 Rikard Tynell SWE Male 08/27/1987 189 cm 86 kg Salomon Salomon Swix 1 - Stian Berg NOR Male 04/09/1994 188 cm 78 kg Rossignol Rossignol Swix -
64 Fredrik Sätter SWE Male 05/31/1972 174 cm 69 kg Salomon Salomon Swix - - Runar Hermo NOR Male 12/14/1990 180 cm 72 kg - Rossignol Swix -
- Martin Johansson SWE Male 03/22/1998 180 kg 75 kg Salomon Salomon Salomon - - Christian Winker GER Male 10/10/1996 184 cm 75 kg Madshus Madshus Leki -

74 PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE 75
TEAM VLTAVA FUND CRAFT / TEAM SILVINI MADSHUS TEAM MÄENPÄÄ / TELEMARK

VLTAVA FUND CRAFT TEAM MÄENPÄÄ

11 13
TEAM RANKING TEAM RANKING
15/11/2017 “Where there’s a will 15/11/2017 “Go hard or
there’s a way” VLTAVA FUND go home!”
CRAFT TEAM

TEEMU’S ANALYSIS and 35th Jizerska50 and Pavel Ondrášek was TEEMU’S ANALYSIS Luusua, but his main focus is to qualify for the
Their names may not ring a bell to the TV able to bring off solid top 40 performances. The upcoming Visma Ski Classics season is olympics. Niko Koskela is a new recruit, being
viewing audience of Visma Ski Classics, but they Their only female reinforcement Karolina the second for this ski team from Finland. The the best Finn in Ylläs-Levi last season (25th).
have been around the block. Bicova has been much more active in other Team director Kim Mäenpää has high hopes Viktor and Hannes Mäenpää are both very
Peter Novák has been in the game since 2012 long distance ski races. But her experience can for Christoffer Lindvall who finished third in young, getting more experience. Evelina Bång-
and has made himself a respected skier with turn out to be a valuable add-on, and the team Nordenskiöldsloppet (220 km). Two other man (Sweden, former SkiProAm), the winner of
his several top 10 and 20 places. Even last year, certainly needs points from the women’s compe- strong point collectors in the team may be Hans the youth competition, joined the team. Which
he was 7th in Kaiser Maximilian Lauf and 9th in tition if they want to secure their position. There Mäenpää (50th in Ylläs-Levi) and Terhi Pollari will certainly help collecting points. But Ari Luu-
Vasaloppet while Jiří Ročárek was close behind is a third team from their beloved country right (7th in Vasaloppet China). sua’s participation is pivotal if they want to step
with his 20th place in Sgambeda and 21st in behind them, and they are a pack of hungry The strongest skier in this team is Ari up among the best ten teams.
Jizerska (and with some other good perfor- wolves. Silvini Madshus Team led by a living RANKING NAME NAT. GENDER DOB HEIGHT WEIGHT SKIS BOOTS POLES WINS
mances). legend may stomp on these Crafty skiers if they 15/11/2017
Daniel Máka was 17th in Vasaloppet China don’t watch out. 11 Evelina Bångman SWE Female 03/19/1992 175 cm 60 kg Rossignol Alpina Swix -
RANKING NAME NAT. GENDER DOB HEIGHT WEIGHT SKIS BOOTS POLES WINS 15 Terhi Pollari FIN Female 01/18/1984 165 cm 60 kg Fischer Alpina Swix -
15/11/2017 53 Ari Luusua FIN Male 03/05/1988 180 cm 75 kg Fischer - Swix -
19 Karolina Bicova CZE Female 08/30/1978 164 cm 57 kg Fischer Fischer Salomon - 55 Christoffer Lindvall FIN Male 03/02/1993 182 cm 75 kg Fischer - Swix -
20 Petr Novák CZE Male 06/18/1982 182 cm 75 kg Rossignol Rossignol Leki - 78 Hans Mäenpää FIN Male 04/12/1979 176 cm 74 kg Fischer Alpina Swix -
31 Jiří Ročárek CZE Male 08/18/1983 183 cm 74 kg Fischer Fischer Fischer - - Viktor Mäenpää FIN Male 03/17t/1994 174 cm 67 kg Fischer Alpina Swix -
38 Pavel Ondrášek CZE Male 08/02/1992 173 cm 66 kg Fischer Fischer Exel - - Hannes Mäenpää FIN Male 06/26/1996 182 cm 72 kg Fischer Fischer Swix -
45 Daniel Máka CZE Male 02/02/1992 177 cm 73 kg Fischer Fischer Exel - - Niko Koskela FIN Male 08/01/1990 187 cm 76 kg - - - -

SILVINI MADSHUS TELEMARK

12 14
TEAM RANKING TEAM RANKING
15/11/2017 “Are you running out of breath? 15/11/2017

Go faster!”

TEEMU’S ANALYSIS tive years in the top 10, 2009-2016), and gained TEEMU’S ANALYSIS mentioned Canadian World Champion (team
One legend, one master skier, one seasoned glory in many other long distance events. Team Telemark has some international mem- sprint in Oslo 2011). Besides Birkebeinerrennet,
athlete and five quite unfamiliar faces. Jiří Pliska supported their number one skier bers in their all-around and long distance teams, they do not have much experience in VSC.
Stanislav Řezáč needs no introduction as he quite well with his 31st place in Jizerska50, 29th most notably Devon Kershaw from Canada. His However, there are two interesting facts
is his country’s biggest name when it comes to in Toblach-Cortina and 44th in Vasaloppet while name is listed as a racer for Visma Ski Classics, about the team; Therese Johaug’s brother is one
long distance skiing. This 44-year-old master Jan Svoboda, 51, shows no signs of slowing but the South-Korean skyline is most likely of the skiers (47th in Birkebeinerrennet in 2016)
has won Birkebeinerrennet three times, been on down with his 55th place in Kaiser Maximilian gleaming in his eyes. and Ånund Lid Byggland was a great junior skier
the podium six times in Vasaloppet (8 consecu- Lauf and 65th in Jizerska50. This team is very masculine as there are no with his 24th place in Birkebeinerrennet in 2012
ladies to be found in their long distance club. at the age of 22 and 4th place in sprint in the
RANKING NAME NAT. GENDER DOB HEIGHT WEIGHT SKIS BOOTS POLES WINS
15/11/2017 There are five skiers in addition to the afore- Junior World Championships.
15 Stanislav Řezáč CZE Male 04/29/1973 188 cm 82 kg Madshus Madshus Swix 3 RANKING NAME NAT. GENDER DOB HEIGHT WEIGHT SKIS BOOTS POLES WINS
20 Šárka Zelenková Vyštejnová CZE Female 08/31/1987 166 cm 55 kg Madshus Madshus Swix - 15/11/2017
21 Sandra Schützová CZE Female 10/21/1991 176 cm 52 kg Fischer Alpina Leki - 52 Mats Håkon Breda NOR Male 06/10/1989 189 cm 82 kg - - - -
58 Jiří Pliska CZE Male 05/07/1981 185 cm 78 kg Madshus Madshus Swix - - Karstein Johaug NOR Male 06/14/1992 180 cm 75 kg - - - -
59 Václav Sedláček CZE Male 07/07/1986 184 cm 76 kg Madshus Madshus Exel - - Ånund Lid Byggland NOR Male 07/17/1990 180 cm 75 kg - - - -
64 Jan Svoboda CZE Male 11/17/1966 180 cm 76 kg Madshus Madshus Swix - - Devon Kershaw CAN Male 12/20/1982 178 cm 72 kg - - - -
- Marek Černohorský CZE Male 09/24/1996 182 cm 76 kg Madshus Madshus Swix - - Mikael Gunnulfsen NOR Male 03/25/1993 180 cm 75 kg - - - -
- Zuzana Kocumová CZE Female 05/26/1979 172 cm 50 kg Madshus Madshus Swix - - Runar Skaug Mathisen NOR Male 03/13/1993 196 cm 90 kg - - - -

76 PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE 77
TEAM IGNE / PARKETTPARTNER TEAM FOREVER NORDIC / SKIMARATHON TEAM AUSTRIA

IGNE FOREVER NORDIC

15 17
TEAM RANKING TEAM RANKING
15/11/2017 “To give Anything Less Than Your 15/11/2017 “Long distance skiing TEAM
Best Is To Sacrifice The Gift” with passion!” FOREVER NORDIC

TEEMU’S ANALYSIS Klas Nilsson followed his teammate’s footsteps TEEMU’S ANALYSIS Champion in 50 km, or to Robin Frost, who had
This five-men team should have their legal by being in the top 30 three times (21st in Mar- Forever it shall be, but forever is a long time for five top 50 places last season. Michael Kuisle
contracts in order as their sponsor Igne is a law cialonga as his best) and Henrik Alm finished these young German athletes with an average had three top 50 places while Erik Thomas
firm in Sweden. only two races last season (82nd in Vasaloppet), age of 23,3. What they lack in years, they duly Team
Fore
ver
Nord
ic Team
Fore
ver
Nord
ic
showed some stamina and strength when he fin-
This team is quite experienced as three of but he has many top 50 places in the past. compensate with youthful energy and passion. ished Vasaloppet China as the 13th fastest skier.
the skiers were born in the 80s, one in the 60s Finally, the 60s kid Johan Sandberg has been The team lost their front man Thomas Gifstad Jessica Wirth is the team’s female reinforcement
and the youngest one is 26. Has this experience on the tracks for a long time, but it seems that whose impressive breakaway in Marcialonga (top 20 in four races).
been a great advantage to these devoted boys he only does a few selected races per year. Last gave him his 15 minutes of fame. He transferred It is delightful to see this German team in the
from Northern Sweden? Well, let’s see! season, he supported his team in the prologue to Ski Team Skigo. game. Let’s hope that one of them will be brave
Björn Rydvall had a good season in 2017 and skied from Sälen to Mora, finished as #196. Right now, the number one spot seems to go enough to do “Gifstad” in one of the races.
(places between 33-61), Johan Lövgren per- This team will certainly give their best when to either Nils Weirich, who is the German Junior
formed even better as he was in the top 30 in the season of Visma Ski Classics VIII is in full RANKING NAME NAT. GENDER DOB HEIGHT WEIGHT SKIS BOOTS POLES WINS
most of his races (Vasaloppet 16th his best), bloom.. 15/11/2017

RANKING NAME NAT. GENDER DOB HEIGHT WEIGHT SKIS BOOTS POLES WINS 22 Jessica Wirth GER Female 08/21/1994 178 cm 68 kg Fischer Fischer Leki -
15/11/2017 35 Erik Melin Söderström SWE Male 08/14/1986 192 cm 87 kg SkiTrab Alpina Exel -
36 Johan Lövgren SWE Male 06/26/1991 187 cm 82 kg Fischer Fischer Swix - 46 Eric Thomas GER Male 12/14/1987 179 cm 70 kg Atomic Atomic Leki -
40 Klas Nilsson SWE Male 01/09/1986 183 cm 78 kg Atomic Alpina Swix - 50 Robin Frost GER Male 05/02/1993 173 cm 64 kg SkiTrab Botas Leki -
47 Björn Rydvall SWE Male 02/05/1981 181 cm 79 kg Madshus - Swix - 56 Michael Kuisle GER Male 02/22/1995 173 cm 70 kg Madshus Alpina KV+ -
61 Henrik Alm SWE Male 04/11/1982 173 cm 72 kg - - - - - Nils Weirich GER Male 01/19/1997 176 cm 72 kg Fischer Alpina Leki -
64 Johan Sandberg SWE Male 09/21/1968 179 cm 71 kg - - Swix - - Franziska Müller GER Female 08/01/1995 162 cm 50 kg Fischer Fischer Leki -

PARKETTPARTNER SKIMARATHON TEAM AUSTRIA

16 18
TEAM RANKING TEAM RANKING
15/11/2017 “From the Norwegian mountains 15/11/2017
“Be a part of it!”
to the top of Europe”

TEEMU’S ANALYSIS 50 in Vasaloppet. Magnus Vesterheim partici- TEEMU’S ANALYSIS SKI-WILLY.COM

as one of the strongest long distance skiers in


Another team from Norway with good skiers. pated in two races; Vasaloppet (67th) and Birke- This Pro Team are doing their best to leave an German-speaking countries. Stefan Petritsch
The most successful of this youthful group of beinerrennet (62nd) while Kjetil Tryom did three, Austrian mark on the proceedings. was 97th in Toblach-Cortina
enthusiastic skiers was Vinjar Skogsholm who of which Marcialonga’s 50th place was his best. The most successful of these skiers is Philipp Two interesting footnotes in this team are
got two top 25 places last season; Marcialonga Anders Kampenhøy is still trying to get into the Bachl whose two top 50 places put him a little Mirva Rottensteiner, who comes from Finland,
and Jizerska50. Thomas Gjestrumbakken and top 100 in these races. ahead of Thomas Stöggl who in turn was in the and Harry Lemmerer, who is a former Nordic
Simen Engebretsen Nordli were not far behind The lady of the team, Marthe Kristine Hafsahl top 100 in every race (except Vasaloppet). Petra combined racer and the Roller-ski Champion of
with their five combined top 40 places and top Karset, was 10th in Jizerska50 last season. Tanner only participated in one race, Kaiser Austria. Mirva was second both in Finlandia-hiih-
Maximilian Lauf (14th), but she is considered to and the European Championships last season.
RANKING NAME NAT. GENDER DOB HEIGHT WEIGHT SKIS BOOTS POLES WINS
15/11/2017
RANKING NAME NAT. GENDER DOB HEIGHT WEIGHT SKIS BOOTS POLES WINS
16 Marthe Kristine Hafsahl Karset NOR Female 07/29/1985 160 cm 55 kg Madshus Alpina KV+ - 15/11/2017
56 Vinjar Skogsholm NOR Male 02/10/1994 186 cm 77 kg Rossignol Rossignol Swix - 18 Petra Tanner AUT Female 06/30/1986 171 cm 63 kg Atomic Atomic KV+ -
68 Thomas Gjestrumbakken NOR Male 05/28/1994 180 cm 78 kg Fischer Fischer Swix - 61 Philipp Bachl AUT Male 01/31/1989 185 cm 78 kg Fischer Fischer Fischer -
69 Simen Engebretsen Nordli NOR Male 02/03/1991 183 cm 82 kg Madshus Madshus Madshus - 64 Stefan Petritsch AUT Male 11/28/1985 194 cm 82 kg Madshus Alpina KV+ -
72 Kjetil Tyrom NOR Male 10/24/1995 181 cm 78 kg Madshus Alpina Swix - - Harald Lemmerer AUT Male 12/30/1991 190 cm 77 kg Fischer Fischer One Way -
- Magnus Vesterheim NOR Male 12/20/1994 185 cm 80 kg Rossignol Rossignol Rossignol - - Thomas Stöggl AUT Male 05/01/1977 188 cm 84 kg Atomic Atomic Start -
- Anders Kampenhøy NOR Male 05/27/1993 170 cm 60 kg Atomic Atomic Swix - - Mirva Rottensteiner FIN Female 12/05/1979 170 cm 58 kg - - - -
- Hilde Gjermundshaug Pedersen NOR Female 11/08/1964 - - - - - - - Martin Doppelreiter AUT Male 07/20/1994 168 cm 65 kg Fischer Fischer Swix -

78 PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE 79
TEAM JBRINK SKI TEAM / OSLO SPORTSLAGER – RUSTAD IL TEAM MOSETERTOPPEN SKILINE / LYN SKI MOSETERÅSEN

JBRINK SKI TEAM MOSETERTOPPEN SKILINE

19 21
TEAM RANKING TEAM RANKING
15/11/2017 15/11/2017
“The pride of Hafjell” E
T A
M

TEEMU’S ANALYSIS The rest of the team has practically been TEEMU’S ANALYSIS it, one will get to join the team in their training
Jörgen Brink is a Swedish long distance ski built to support him, but the long-term goal is to It is time to step into a cozy cabin, take off our sessions.
warrior, whose merits are impressive to say the brew some good long distance skiers who can winter sportswear and snuggle up by a warm
T
E
A
T
E

M
A
The professionals underneath the team suit
least; three consecutive Vasaloppet victories take over from their master. In terms of Visma fireplace. That is the image this team wants to are mostly unfamiliar faces in the Visma Ski
M

(2010-2012), three bronze medals in the 2003 Ski Classics, the best individual of the team, be- convey. The name refers to a cabin concept Classics circuit – their results are above and
World Championships, two-time Olympic athlete sides Jörgen, is Erik Marsch who finished 112th designed for families who have a knack for T
E

M
A
below the top 100 in the “Big Three” races. But
and 8 podium places in VSC since 2011. in Årefjällsloppet. The remaining three skiers skiing, or at least finds it alluring. An interesting T
E

M
A one name sticks out; Espen Harald Bjerke. - 3rd
His best result in the past two seasons is don›t have much to write home about yet, but fact about the team is that they sell their racing HAFJELL NORWAY

in Birkebeinerrennet in 2012 & 2013. But many


11th in Marcialonga in 2016 while Anders and they intend to change that while helping their suits to cabin owners in Hafjell, and by wearing TV viewers remember him as the one who was
Stanislav have both been in the top 10 several team leader in his quest for proper resuscitation. RANKING NAME NAT. GENDER DOB HEIGHT WEIGHT SKIS BOOTS POLES WINS
times (Aukland even on the podium). Jörgen And if they keep up with their grand-old man, 15/11/2017
will certainly aim to be in the top again when he they will certainly get noticed. - Stig Morten Fakstad NOR Male 01/25/1976 173 cm 65 kg Madshus Madshus Swix -
packs his bag and heads for Pontresina. - Kristian A. Kjonerud NOR Male 11/11/1994 185 cm 73 kg Madshus Madshus Swix -
RANKING NAME NAT. GENDER DOB HEIGHT WEIGHT SKIS BOOTS POLES WINS - Espen Harald Bjerke NOR Male 04/12/1980 183 cm 75 kg - - Swix -
15/11/2017 - Magnus Bleken NOR Male 07/01/1987 180 cm 75 kg Madshus Madshus Swix -
26 Jörgen Brink SWE Male 03/10/1974 183 cm 81 kg Madshus Madshus Swix 3 - Arnstein Solbrekke NOR Male 10/19/1980 183 cm 80 kg Madshus Madshus Swix -
- Carl-Henrik Sjöstrand SWE Male 10/23/1980 172 cm 67 kg Madshus - - - - Lars Engseth NOR Male 09/17/1987 180 cm 78 kg Madshus Alpina Swix -
- Erik Marsch SWE Male 02/04/1996 185 cm 78 kg Madshus Madshus Madshus - - Anders Aalberg NOR Male 12/08/1973 181 cm 78 kg Madshus Madshus Swix -
- Karolina Nyberg SWE Female 01/22/1984 168 cm 60 kg Madshus - - - - Haavard Hansen NOR Male 07/04/1976 190 cm 93 kg Madshus Madshus Swix -
- Daniel Persson SWE Male 04/21/1973 183 cm 78 kg Madshus - - - - Petter Hattestad NOR Male 07/01/1993 180 cm 75 kg Madshus Madshus Swix -

OSLO SPORTSLAGER – RUSTAD IL LYN SKI MOSETERÅSEN

20 22
m
TEAM RANKING Tea TEAM RANKING
15/11/2017 “Lean, mean, green machine, 15/11/2017 “We didn’t come here to take part,
the green hulks from Oslo east” RUSTAD IL we came to take over!”

TEEMU’S ANALYSIS Both of them former Team LeasePlan skiers and TEEMU’S ANALYSIS ing rainbows as he was 21st in Vasaloppet last
This Oslo-based team most recognizable name really valuable players in the team. Ståle Fenstad That’s the spirit! This team cannot be blamed winter, and his teammate Joar Thele was even
is Anders Gløersen; five-time World Cup winner, and Atle Smenes were both in the top 50 three for a lack of confidence. The team members better with his 12th position.
gold medal in relay in Falun 2015 and bronze in times last season while the Dane, Lasse Hul- may not be that experienced in racing in Visma Barbro Saetha was 13th and Petter Kaarby 46th
15 k freestyle. gaard, did two races, 38th in Kaiser Maximilan Ski Classics, but they are talented skiers from in Vasaloppet and Sondre Groenvold was 59th in
There are two other names that Visma Ski Lauf. This team will climb much higher in the a Oslo-based ski club who has claimed the Marcialonga.
Classics fans know well; Kjetil Dammen (top 30 ranks thanks to the LeasePlan fighters, and if Norwegian Champion title in relay for two years This team will certainly spice things up a bit, but
last season, 5th Vasaloppet China) and Thorgeir Lasse, Anders and Pia can join the fun, they may in a row, so the candid burst-out by the team’s most likely they are not yet ready to “rock the
Thygesen (top 20 all races he participated in). even be in the top 10. director should certainly be taken seriously. And boat”. But that self-assured sprit will carry them
Mr. Vinje has merit to prove that he is not chas- through thick and thin.
RANKING NAME NAT. GENDER DOB HEIGHT WEIGHT SKIS BOOTS POLES WINS
15/11/2017
RANKING NAME NAT. GENDER DOB HEIGHT WEIGHT SKIS BOOTS POLES WINS
7 Kjetil Hagtvedt Dammen NOR Male 09/14/1983 189 cm 85 kg Fischer Fischer Swix - 15/11/2017
29 Torgeir Skare Thygesen NOR Male 07/18/1989 183 cm 80 kg Fischer Fischer Swix - - Vegard Vinje NOR Male 04/15/1991 186 cm 83 kg - - Swix -
70 Ståle Fenstad NOR Male 07/19/1986 190 cm 84 kg - - Dæhlie - - Joar Andreas Thele NOR Male 08/07/1993 179 cm 73 kg Atomic Atomic Swix -
71 Lasse Hulgaard DAN Male 03/27/1991 183 cm 71 kg Fischer - Exel - - Sondre Grønvold NOR Male 04/27/1993 185 cm 80 kg Atomic Atomic Swix -
76 Atle Smenes NOR Male 11/10/1989 195 cm 83 kg - - - - - Petter Kaarby NOR Male 07/19/1985 187 cm 78 kg - - Swix -
- Pia Helene Paulsen NOR Female 06/27/1993 160 cm 58 kg - - - - - Barbro Sætha NOR Female 08/31/1991 170 cm 60 kg Madshus Madshus Swix -
- Anders Gløersen NOR Male 05/22/1986 186 cm 82 kg Fischer Alpina Swix - - Stian Roti Svendby NOR Male 03/07/1991 181 cm 78 kg - - - -

80 PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE 81
TEAM FULLFIT / PELTONEN TEAM NORGESHUS MAXPULSE / ÅRE LÄNGDSKIDKLUBB

FULLFIT TEAM NORGESHUS MAXPULSE

23 25
TEAM RANKING TEAM RANKING
15/11/2017 “Choice of Life 15/11/2017

– FullFit!”

TEEMU’S ANALYSIS of enthusiastic Nordic and biathlon skiers and TEEMU’S ANALYSIS He is the only one who can fulfill the team’s goal
Ylläs-Levi is really bearing fruit as there are see what they are capable of achieving. Now, This brand new team has a hefty goal to get and be close to the podium this winter.
more Finnish pro athletes and teams in Visma they are stepping into the big arena. skiers in the top 6 in some individual races. Remaining skiers in the team; Kent Erik, Stian,
Ski Classics than ever before. This team is The team has eight registered skiers includ- Their two title sponsors are from totally different Marius and Paul Håvard, will march and tout for
brand new and the skiers do not have much ing the Finlandia-hiihto winner Niina Virtanen spectrums, one is a housing development com- the healthy lifestyle they all stand for but not to
experience in Visma Ski Classics, but they have and a strong double-poling expert Miika Ruo- pany while the other is a travel agency, but they be seen in the to
participated in many long distance ski events konen who has won some long distance races in share one thing in common; the love for long
domestically and internationally. Finland. The oldest skier of the bunch is Terttu distance skiing and healthy life.
The founder of the team is Kristian Sotti Lappi, born in 1986, so the team really has some The best known of these five male skiers is Ve-
whose grand idea was to put together a group youthful energy to boost its way up to glory. tle Thyli, who certainly can call himself a pro ski-
RANKING NAME NAT. GENDER DOB HEIGHT WEIGHT SKIS BOOTS POLES WINS er as he was 5th in Kaiser Maximilian Lauf, 10th
15/11/2017 in Årefjällsloppet and 20th in Birkebeinerrennet.
- Mikko Harju FIN Male 04/22/1987 195 cm 88 kg Fischer Fischer Swix - RANKING NAME NAT. GENDER DOB HEIGHT WEIGHT SKIS BOOTS POLES WINS
- Miika Ruokonen FIN Male 07/26/1990 175 cm 69 kg Peltonen Alpina Swix - 15/11/2017
- Olli Tyrväinen FIN Male 08/04/1993 190 cm 80 kg - - Swix - 18 Vetle Thyli NOR Male 07/03/1989 185 cm 76 kg Fischer Fischer KV+ -
- Niina Virtanen FIN Female 04/22/1991 161 cm 56 kg Fischer Alpina Rex - - Kent Erik Baadstad NOR Male 02/19/1988 188 cm 90 kg - - - -
- Terttu Lappi FIN Female 07/01/1986 166 cm 60 kg Rossignol Rossignol Swix - - Marius Beck NOR Male 09/16/1990 170 cm 70 kg - - - -
- Kristian Sotti FIN Male 08/03/1989 183 cm 80 kg - - Swix - - Stian Karsrud NOR Male 07/08/1991 174 cm 70 kg - - - -
- Joni Mustonen FIN Male 03/23/1994 178 cm 72 kg Yoko Yoko Swix - - Paul Håvard Østby NOR Male 05/13/1974 195 cm 90 kg - - - -
- Vili Hämäläinen FIN Male 07/01/1994 187 cm 75 kg Fischer Fischer Fischer - - Ola Sandbæk NOR Male 02/17/1995 191 cm 94 kg - - - -

PELTONEN ÅRE LÄNGDSKIDKLUBB

24 26
TEAM RANKING TEAM RANKING
15/11/2017 “Everything comes 15/11/2017 “We’re part of the
through joy!” XC-skiing Evolution”

TEEMU’S ANALYSIS of all ski races. Ylläs-Levi may also be in their TEEMU’S ANALYSIS skiers born in the 70s. But the best support may
A sabbatical may not be the best way to prepare calendar. Evolution, that’s the word. Everything changes come from Jenny Grip (née Hansson), she was
for a challenging Visma Ski Classics tour, but at Two years ago, Antti was the best Finnish and the world evolves around us. There are the Vasaloppet winner in 2011 and the Champi-
least it will give you a chance to recharge your male skier in the circuit finishing in the top 20 a heated arguments around our sport. If Åre Ski on of the 2012 edition of Ski Classics and 2nd
batteries. Antti Lampinen and Pasi Vuori are couple of times while Pasi occasionally managed Club can ease our minds by being the evolution- the year after. Lina was in the top 6 five times
back in action in 2018. The team has also listed to be in the top 50. They know that coming back ary force in Nordic skiing, we are up for it! last season but did not manage to get on the
Ville Nousiainen and Lauri Vuorinen as their will not be an easy walk in the park. The team The team was formed in 2012 and its greatest podium, which she did three times in 2016. She
potential racers, but both of these skiers have will aim to do well in some individual races and goal is to assist Lina Korsgren (former Lease- has the talent and capacity to become, like her
set their sights on the Olympics. thus will not be a serious contender in the team Plan) in her pursuit of winning Vasaloppet. The teammate Jenny, the winner of the biggest ski
Antti and Pasi will focus on the races in competition. But we should expect to see some team captain Gustaf Berglund offers a helping race in the world.
Central Europe in January and February and of glimpses of greatness here and there when hand along with Karl Zeitz, both experienced
course, the one that is generally called the king these boys put on their skiing armor once again.
RANKING NAME NAT. GENDER DOB HEIGHT WEIGHT SKIS BOOTS POLES WINS
15/11/2017
RANKING NAME NAT. GENDER DOB HEIGHT WEIGHT SKIS BOOTS POLES WINS
15/11/2017 6 Lina Korsgren SWE Female 01/27/1988 165 cm 55 kg Salomon Salomon Leki -
39 Antti Lampinen FIN Male 07/14/1983 183 cm 79 kg Peltonen Alpina Rex - - Karl Zeitz SWE Male 08/01/1972 187 cm 75 kg Atomic Salomon Salomon -
51 Ville Nousiainen FIN Male 12/05/1983 186 cm 78 kg Peltonen Alpina Rex - - Gustaf Berglund SWE Male 09/24/1978 183 cm 70 kg Salomon Salomon Leki -
60 Pasi Vuori FIN Male 12/01/1970 183 cm 79 kg Peltonen Alpina Rex - - Jenny Grip SWE Female 08/26/1980 165 cm 55 kg Fischer Salomon Leki -
- Lauri Vuorinen FIN Male 01/01/1995 178 cm 63 kg Peltonen Alpina One Way - - John Lagerskog SWE Male 04/27/1974 175 cm 74 kg Fischer Alpina Swix -

82 PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE 83
TEAM C-SKI.DE A│N SKIMARATHON / SKIGO XC TEAM

XC-SKI.DE A│N SKIMARATHON TEAM

27 “Our team’s vision is to create


TEAM RANKING
15/11/2017

a movement...”

TEEMU’S ANALYSIS his only VSC race was Vasaloppet (69th)while


Another German team in Visma Ski Classics, Florian Göbel managed to be 44th in Jizerska50.
and again with a higher purpose. It warms my The only woman in their team Jessica Dotzler is
heart to see that these German teams are pas- an experienced long distance skier but nowhere
sionated about spreading the gospel of long dis- to be found in Visma Ski Classics results yet.
tance skiing in their native land. The best skier This team can present some unexpected
in this team is Thomas Freimuth, who still holds snippets of success, particularly when racing
the record of being the fastest German in Vasa- in their backyard, or in this case their neighbor
loppet - his best result is 17th in 2010 and the countries.
fastest time 03:45:16 in 2012 (24th). Last year,
RANKING NAME NAT. GENDER DOB HEIGHT WEIGHT SKIS BOOTS POLES WINS
15/11/2017
63 Thomas Freimuth GER Male 09/08/1980 178 cm 72 kg Fischer Fischer Start -
74 Christoph Friedl GER Male 03/25/1987 182 cm 73 kg Fischer Fischer Start -
- Florian Goebel GER Male 04/04/1972 176 cm 72 kg Fischer Salomon Swix -
- Josef Windorfer GER Male 01/31/1985 173 cm 75 kg Fischer Salomon Leki -
- Daniel Debertin GER Male 09/30/1992 181 cm 68 kg Fischer Fischer One Way -
- Sascha Moehrs GER Male 10/06/1974 170 cm 60 kg Fischer Fischer Swix -
- Michael Richter GER Male 11/21/1967 180 cm 74 kg Fischer Salomon Swix -
- Tobias Dargatz GER Male 05/01/1990 181 cm 66 cm Fischer Fischer Swix -

SKIGO XC TEAM

28
TEAM RANKING
15/11/2017

This is a brand new Norwegian team in Visma The best male candidate for getting attention is
Ski Classics, hence the last place in the ranking Thomas Gifstad,his breakaway in Marcialonga
list. This team signed a Swiss long distance made headlines, he also finished 24th in Vasa-
superstar whose credentials dazzle us all; 15 loppet. Besides Boner and Gifstad, these skiers
wins and three Champion titles in the history are no regular top 50 faces as Erlend Widerø
of Visma Ski Classics- Seraina Boner. She will Hennig’s 48th place in Vasaloppet was the best
certainly lead the team to greater kudos. result, but together they can perform miracles.
RANKING NAME NAT. GENDER DOB HEIGHT WEIGHT SKIS BOOTS POLES WINS
15/11/2017
5 Seraina Boner CHE Female 04/11/1982 170 cm 58 kg - - - 15
41 Thomas Gifstad NOR Male 07/05/1992 186 cm 82 kg - - - -
77 Gjermund Steinsland NOR Male 11/10/1992 188 cm 70 kg - - - -
- Sigurd Sollien Hulbak NOR Male 07/20/1995 174 cm 65 kg - - - -
- Kristoffer Nielsen NOR Male 08/26/1988 183 cm 73 kg - - - -
- Nils Anders Bruun NOR Male 12/15/1969 180 cm 85 kg - - - -
- Bent-Tommy Larsen NOR Male 11/04/1968 189 cm 104 kg -
- Ingeborg Dahl NOR Female 10/23/1987 170 cm 60 kg - - - -
- Erlend Widerø Henning NOR Male 10/18/1993 180 cm 72 kg - - - -

84 PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE 85
FACTS & STATS FACTS & STATS

FACTS & STATS FACTS & STATS


VISMA SKI CLASSICS COMPETITIONS SPRINTS COMPETETION POINTS TABLES
SGAMBEDA CHAMPION POINTS CHAMPION POINTS PRO TEAM POINTS SPRINT POINTS

N
EW
Livigno 4 km POSITION POINTS POSITION POINTS POSITION POINTS CLIMB POINTS
KAISER MAXIMILIAN LAUF 1 200 p 31 30 p 1 200 p MEN
Leutasch 24 km 2 170 p 32 29 p 2 170 p POSITION POINTS
LA DIAGONELA 3 150 p 33 28 p 3 140 p
1 50 p
Samedan 12 km 4 130 p 34 27 p 4 120 p
2 39 p
CLIMB CLIMB Pontresina 37 km 5
6
120 p
105 p
35
36
26 p
25 p
5
6
100 p
95 p
3 31 p
MARCIALONGA 4 24 p
7 100 p 37 24 p 7 90 p
Predazzo 46 km 5 19 p
8 95 p 38 23 p 8 85 p
TOBLACH-CORTINA 6 15 p
HERTZ CHAMPION SPRINT CLIMB YOUTH 9 90 p 39 22 p 9 80 p
7 11 p
COMPETITION COMPETITION COMPETITION COMPETITION Nordic Arena 11 km 10 95 p 40 21 p 10 75 p
The yellow Champion The green Sprint bib is The squared patterned The pink Youth bib is 8 7 p
JIZERSKÁ 50 11 80 p 41 20 p 11 70 p
9 4 p
bib is worn by the male worn by the current male “Lumberjack” Climb bib given to the best male
and female athletes and female with the most is worn by the current and female athlete of age Jizerka 23 km 12 76 p 42 19 p 12 66 p
10 1 p
with the most current current Sprint points. male and female with the 26 or below. The age of VASALOPPET 13 72 p 43 18 p 13 62 p
Champion points before There are 0-2 sprints in most current Climb points. the athlete is determined 14 68 p 44 17 p 14 58 p
each race. The overall the events. The ten fastest There are 0 – 2 Climb by the year the Ski Clas- Mångsbodarna 24 km WOMEN
15 64 p 45 16 p 15 54 p POSITION POINTS
winner is the athlete with male and five fastest checkpoints in the events. sics final take place. Evertsberg 47 km
most Champion points women split times at the The ten fastest male and Points in the Champion 16 60 p 46 15 p 16 50 p
after the season in each sprint lines will get points. five fastest women split competition are used.
REISTADLØPET 17 57 p 47 14 p 17 47 p 1 30 p
gender. The overall winner is the times at the climb check- Storlømyra 10 km 18 54 p 48 13 p 18 44 p 2 24 p
athlete with most sprint point lines will get points*. YLLÄS-LEVI 19 51 p 49 12 p 19 41 p 3 17 p
points after the season in The overall winner is the 4 9 p
Äkäslompolo 14 km 20 48 p 50 11 p 20 38 p
each gender. athlete with most Climb
points after the season 21 45 p 51 10 p 21 35 p 5 4 p
Pyhäjärvi 35 km
in each gender. 22 43 p 52 9 p 22 33 p
23 41 p 53 8 p 23 31 p
CLIMBS 24 39 p 54 7 p 24 29 p
SGAMBEDA 25 37 p 55 6 p 25 27 p
Grassi Degli Agnelli 20 km 26 35 p 56 5 p 26 25 p
KAISER MAXIMILIAN LAUF 27 34 p 57 4 p 27 23 p
N

Wildmoosalm 8 km 28 33 p 58 3 p 28 22 p


EW

EW

29 32 p 59 2 p 29 21 p


MARCIALONGA*
30 31 p 60 1 p 30 19 p
Cavalese 70 km
JIZERSKÁ 50
PRIZE MONEY OVER ALL SEASON STANDINGS: € 235 000
Na Kneipe 11 km
BIRKEBEINERRENNET CHAMPION CHAMPION SPRINT CLIMB VISMA NORDIC VISMA NORDIC
MEN MEN MEN MEN TROPHY MEN TROPHY WOMEN
Raudfjellet 20 km 3RD PRIZE 4TH PRIZE 4 WINNER WINNER WINNER WINNER
SPRINT
REISTADLØPET MEN
CHAMPION
MEN 3.4% 2.6% 3 WINNER 0.6% 3.2% 3.2% 3.2%
PRO TEAM VISMA VISMA VISMA Orta 18 km 2ND PRIZE SPRINT
MEN CLIMB
COMPETITION SKIER OF THE DAY NORDIC TROPHY ALP TROPHY Øverlitjønna 36 km CHAMPION CHAMPION 2 WINNER 0.9% SPRINT WOMEN
The Pro Team competition After each event the Ski The Visma Nordic Trophy The Visma Alp Trophy YLLÄS-LEVI
MEN
WINNER 5.5% MEN
5TH PRIZE
SPRINT
MEN
MEN
5 WINNER
WINNER VISMA SKIER
OF THE DAY
is determined by adding Classics Race Director is decided by adding is decided by adding the WINNER 1.1% 10 AWARDS
the Champion points from will award the Visma Skier the Champion points in champion points in event Kukastunturi 22 km
12.8% 3.2%
0.9% 0.4%
the Pro Team’s best two of the Day. The award is event 8, 9, 10 and 11, all 3, 4, 5 and 6, all taking * In Marcialonga climb points will 3.2% 4.3%
male athletes, the best handed out if a male or taking place in the nordic place in the Alps. Awards
female athlete, the total female skier has signifi- countries. Awards will be will be handed out at the be handed out according to the
sprint points taken by the cantly tried to set pace in handed out at the Visma Visma Ski Classics Final fastest times in the final uphill, the
Pro Team in each event, the race. Awards will be Ski Classics Final Gala. Gala. Cascata.
the total climb points in handed out at the flower
each event and the total ceremony after each
youth points in each event.
event. 3.4%
12.8% 4.3%
2.6% 0.9% 2.1%
CHAMPION
TEAM 0.4%
CHAMPION
WOMEN 5.5% WOMEN
3RD PRIZE 2 WINNER TEAM YOUTH VISMA ALP
WINNER 3 WINNER 0.9% WOMEN TROPHY WOMEN
CHAMPION 12.8% SPRINT
WOMEN
WINNER
WOMEN 3.2% SPRINT 3 WINNER 0.9% 2.1%
0 20 40 2ND PRIZE60 80
TEAM
100
WOMEN
1 WINNER SPRINT 2 WINNER YOUTH
WOMEN VISMA ALP
MEN TROPHY MEN
The chart shows the percent distribution of the Prize Money from the over all season standings. WINNER
WINNER

86 PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE 87
FACTS & STATS FACTS & STATS

FACTS & STATS FACTS & STATS


ATHLETES RANKING MEN* ATHLETES RANKING MEN* ATHLETES RANKING WOMEN* ATHLETES RANKING WOMEN*
RANKING COUNTRY NAME TEAM POINTS RANKING COUNTRY NAME TEAM POINTS RANKING COUNTRY NAME TEAM POINTS RANKING COUNTRY NAME TEAM POINTS

1 Tord Asle Gjerdalen SAN 2 913 p 28 Lukáš Bauer BST 403 p 1 Britta Johansson Norgren LAG 3 640 p 12 Viktoria Melina RMT 526 p
2 Stian Hoelgaard TUB 2 050 p 29 Torgeir Skare Thygesen OSR 394 p 2 Kateřina Smutná BST 3 195 p 13 Svenja Hoelzle SYN 467 p
3 Morten Eide Pedersen BNB 1 997 p 30 Andreas Holmberg SER 392 p 3 Astrid Øyre Slind TUB 2 248 p 14 Kari Vikhagen Gjeitnes SAN 450 p
4 Anders Aukland SAN 1 849 p 31 Jiří Ročárek CRT 367 p 4 Sara Lindborg SER 2 155 p 15 Terhi Pollari TMA 349 p
5 Andreas Nygaard SAN 1 846 p 32 Alexey Dvoskin RMT 308 p 5 Seraina Boner SGT 1 743 p 16 Marthe Kristine Hafsahl Karset PAR 274 p
6 John Kristian Dahl TUB 1 813 p 33 Bob Impola SER 305 p 6 Lina Korsgren ARE 1 461 p 17 Larisa Riasina RMT 180 p
7 Kjetil Dammen OSR 1 293 p 34 Rikard Tynell TYN 304 p 7 Justyna Kowalczyk ROB 1 345 p 18 Petra Tanner STA 170 p
8 Anders Høst SER 1 245 p 35 Erik Melin Söderström TFN 301 p 8 Barbara Jezersek BST 954 p 19 Karolina Bicova CRT 127 p
9 Øystein Pettersen BNB 1 185 p 36 Johan Lövgren IGN 269 p 9 Heli Heiskanen ROB 820 p 20 Šárka Zelenková Vyštejnová SIL 86 p
10 Øyvind Moen Fjeld SAN 1 140 p 37 Mauro Brigadoi ROB 263 p 10 Laila Kveli TYN 664 p 21 Sandra Schützová SIL 66 p
11 Tore Bjørseth Berdal TUB 1 091 p 38 Pavel Ondrášek CRT 228 p 11 Evelina Bångman TMA 528 p 22 Jessica Wirth TFN 50 p
12 Fredrik Byström LAG 1 077 p 39 Antti Lampinen PEL 227 p * Ranking as of November 15th 2017
13 Markus Ottosson LAG 881 p 40 Klas Nilsson IGN 207 p
14 Ilya Chernousov BST 876 p 41 Thomas Gifstad SGT 204 p
15 Stanislav Řezáč SIL 863 p 42 Jan Šrail BST 198 p
16 Simen Østensen BNB 849 p 43 Ermil Vokuev RMT 164 p
17 Marcus Johansson LAG 843 p 43 Alexis Jeannerod BST 164 p
18 Vetle Thyli TNM 801 p 45 Daniel Máka CRT 163 p
19 Oscar Persson LAG 769 p 46 Eric Thomas TFN 162 p
20 Petr Novák CRT 736 p 47 Björn Rydvall IGN 155 p
21 Oskar Kardin SAN 688 p 48 Loris Frasnelli ROB 151 p
22 Jerry Ahrlin TYN 631 p 49 Adam Fellner BST 144 p
23 Bruno Debertolis ROB 563 p 50 Robin Frost TFN 136 p
24 Jens Eriksson TYN 482 p 51 Ville Nousianien PEL 135 p
25 Torleif Syrstad TUB 478 p 52 Mats Håkon Breda TEL 133 p
26 Jörgen Brink BRI 460 p 53 Ari Luusua TMA 93 p
27 Jimmie Johnsson LAG 445 p 54 Anton Karlsson LAG 74 p
55 Christoffer Lindvall TMA 73 p
56 Michael Kuisle TFN 72 p
56 Vinjar Skogsholm PAR 72 p
58 Jiří Pliska SIL 70 p
59 Václav Sedláček SIL 66 p
60 Pasi Vouri PEL 58 p
61 Philipp Bachl STA 53 p
61 Henrik Alm IGN 53 p
63 Thomas Freimuth XCS 52 p
64 Stefan Petritsch STA 50 p
64 Johan Sandberg IGN 50 p
64 Fredrik Sätter TYN 50 p
64 Jan Svoboda SIL 50 p
68 Thomas Gjestrumbakken PAR 44 p
69 Simen Engebretsen Nordli PAR 37 p
70 Ståle Fenstad OSR 17 p
71 Lasse Hulgaard OSR 13 p
72 Erlend Nydal SYN 12 p
72 Kjetil Tyrom PAR 12 p
74 Christoph Friedl XCS 5 p
74 Nils-Ingar Aadne BNB 5 p
76 Atle Smenes OSR 4 p
77 Gjermund Steinsland SGT 2 p
78 Hans Mäenpää TMA 1 p

88 PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE 89
FACTS & STATS FACTS & STATS

FACTS & STATS FACTS & STATS


HISTORIC EVENTS HISTORIC EVENTS
RACE DISTANCE LOCATION COUNTRY DATE RACE DISTANCE LOCATION COUNTRY DATE

2017 VISMA SKI CLASSICS 2012 SKI CLASSICS


The Prologue 10 km Pontresina Switzerland November 27th 2016 Jizerská Padesátka 50 km Bedřichov Czech Republic January 8th 2012
Sgambeda 35 km Livigno Italy December 3rd 2016 Marcialonga 70 km Trentino Italy January 29th 2012
Vasaloppet China 50 km Changchun China January 4th 2017 König Ludwig Lauf 50 km Bayern Germany February 5th 2012
Kaiser Maximilian Lauf 60 km Olympia region Seefeld Austria January 14th 2017 Tartu Maraton 63 km Tartu Estonia February 19th 2012
La Diagonela 65 km St. Moritz Swtizerland January 21st 2017 Vasaloppet 90 km Dalarna Sweden March 4th 2012
Marcialonga 70 km Trentino Italy January 29th 2017 Birkebeinerrennet 54 km Lillehammer Norway March 17th 2012
Toblach-Cortina 50 km Toblach-Cortina Italy February 11th 2017 Vålådalen 53 km Åre Sweden March 31st 2012
Jizerská Padesátka 50 km Bedřichov Czech Republic February 19th 2017 2011 SKI CLASSICS
Vasaloppet 90 km Sälen-Mora Sweden March 5th 2017 Jizerská Padesátka 50 km Bedřichov Czech Republic January 9th 2011
Birkebeinerrennet 54 km Rena-Lillehammer Norway March 18th 2017 Marcialonga 70 km Trentino Italy January 30th 2011
Årefjällsloppet 55 km Åre Sweden March 25th 2017 König Ludwig Lauf 42 km Bayern Germany February 6th 2011
Reistadløpet 50 km Setermoen-Bardufoss Norway April 1st 2017 Vasaloppet 90 km Dalarna Sweden March 6th 2011
Ylläs-Levi 67 km Ylläs-Levi Finland April 8th 2017 Birkebeinerrennet 54 km Lillehammer Norway March 19th 2011
2016 VISMA SKI CLASSICS Norefjellrennet 66 km Norefjell Norway April 2nd 2011
Prologue - ProTeam Tempo 15 km Livigno Italy December 5th 2015
Sgambeda 24 km Livigno Italy December 6th 2015 HISTORIC COMPETITION WINNERS HISTORIC COMPETITION WINNERS
Jizerská Padesátka 50 km Bedřichov Czech Republic January 10th 2016 BIB RANKING NAME GENDER POINTS BIB RANKING NAME GENDER POINTS
La Diagonela 55 km St. Moritz Switzerland January 23rd 2016
Marcialonga 70 km Trentino Italy January 31st 2016 2017 VISMA SKI CLASSICS 2013 SWIX SKI CLASSICS
Kaiser Maximilian Lauf 65 km Seefeld Austria February 7th 2016 CHAMPION Tord Asle Gjerdalen Male 1 744 p CHAMPION Anders Aukland Male 940 p
Toblach/Dobbiaco-Cortina 32 km Cortina Italy February 13th 2016 CHAMPION Britta Johansson Norgren Female 2 120 p CHAMPION Seraina Boner Female 1 120 p
Vasaloppet 90 km Dalarna Sweden March 6th 2016 SPRINT Andreas Nygaard Male 281 p SPRINT Simen Østensen Male 155 p
Birkebeinerrennet 54 km Lillehammer Norway March 19th 2016 SPRINT Britta Johansson Norgren Female 440 p YOUTH Morten Eide Pedersen Male 290 p
Årefjällsloppet 65 km Åre Sweden April 2nd 2016 YOUTH Stian Hoelgaard Male 1 269 p YOUTH Laila Kveli Female 778 p
YOUTH Evelina Bångman Female 528 p PRO TEAM Team Xtra Personell 3 129 p
2015 SWIX SKI CLASSICS
Prologue - ProTeam Tempo 15 km Livigno Italy December 13th 2014
PRO TEAM Team Santander 6 496 p 2012 SKI CLASSICS
NORDIC TROPHY Petter Eliassen Male 740 p CHAMPION Anders Aukland Male 822 p
Sgambeda 35 km Livigno Italy December 14th 2014
NORDIC TROPHY Britta Johansson Norgren Female 835 p CHAMPION Jenny Hansson Female 910 p
Jizerská Padesátka 45 km Bedřichov Czech Republic January 11th 2015
La Diagonela 43 km St. Moritz Switzerland January 17th 2015 2016 VISMA SKI CLASSICS SPRINT Stanislav Řezáč Male 150 p
Marcialonga 57 km Trentino Italy January 25th 2015 CHAMPION Petter Eliassen Male 1 380 p YOUTH Morten Eide Pedersen Male 162 p
CHAMPION Britta Johansson Norgren Female 1 520 p YOUTH Laila Kveli Female 670 p
König Ludwig Lauf 46 km Bayern Germany February 1st 2015
SPRINT Andreas Nygaard Male 410 p PRO TEAM Team Xtra Personell 2 703 p
Vasaloppet 90 km Dalarna Sweden March 8th 2015
YOUTH Stian Hoelgaard Male 781 p 2011 SKI CLASSICS
Birkebeinerrennet 54 km Lillehammer Norway March 21th 2015
YOUTH Emilia Lindstedt Female 706 p CHAMPION Stanislav Řezáč Male 405 p
Årefjällsloppet 47 km Åre Sweden March 28th 2015
PRO TEAM Team Santander 4 449 p CHAMPION Seraina Boner Female 500 p
2014 SWIX SKI CLASSICS
2015 SWIX SKI CLASSICS SPRINT Anders Aukland Male 40 p
La Diagonela 50 km St. Moritz Switzerland January 12th 2014
CHAMPION Petter Eliassen Male 1 270 p YOUTH Anton Sjöholm Male 30 p
Marcialonga 70 km Trentino Italy January 26th 2014
CHAMPION Katerina Smutna Female 1 290 p YOUTH Laila Kveli Female 130 p
König Ludwig Lauf 46 km Bayern Germany February 2nd 2014
SPRINT Øystein Pettersen Male 280 p PRO TEAM Team Xtra Personell 1 042 p
Vasaloppet 90 km Dalarna Sweden March 2nd 2014 YOUTH Anders Høst Male 441 p
Birkebeinerrennet - cancelled 54 km Lillehammer Norway March 15th 2014 YOUTH Tone Sundvor Female 327 p
Årefjällsloppet 61 km Åre Sweden March 29th 2014 PRO TEAM Team Santander 3 556 p
2013 SWIX SKI CLASSICS 2014 SWIX SKI CLASSICS
Jizerská Padesátka 50 km Bedřichov Czech Republic January 13th 2013 CHAMPION Johan Kjølstad Male 780 p
Marcialonga 70 km Trentino Italy January 27th 2013 CHAMPION Seraina Boner Female 790 p
König Ludwig Lauf 38 km Bayern Germany February 3rd 2013 SPRINT John Kristian Dahl Male 285 p
Vasaloppet 90 km Dalarna Sweden March 3rd 2013 YOUTH Christoffer Callesen Male 350 p
Birkebeinerrennet 54 km Lillehammer Norway March 16th 2013 YOUTH Inger Liv Bjerkreim Nilsen Female 360 p
Årefjällsloppet 75 km Åre Sweden March 23rd 2013 PRO TEAM Team United Bakeries 2 240 p

90 PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE 91
FACTS & STATS FACTS & STATS

FACTS & STATS FACTS & STATS

TOP 3 AT EVENTS TOP 3 AT EVENTS


RANK NAME NAT. NETTIME RANK NAME NAT. TIME RANK NAME NAT. NETTIME RANK NAME NAT. TIME

THE 2017 SEASON MEN WOMEN THE 2016 SEASON MEN WOMEN
THE PROLOGUE 1 Petter Eliassen NOR 00:19:42 1 Kateřina Smutná CZE 00:23:43 1 Tord Asle Gjerdalen NOR 02:49:49 1 Britta Johansson Norgren SWE 03:13:50
2 Bastien Poirrier FRA 00:19:51 2 Britta Johansson Norgren SWE 00:23:44 MARCIALONGA 2 Petter Eliassen NOR 02:49:54 2 Katerina Smutna CZE 03:13:52
3 Morten Eide Pedersen NOR 00:19:58 3 Sara Lindborg SWE 00:24:03 3 Stian Hoelgaard NOR 02:49:54 3 Seraina Boner SUI 03:17:26
SGAMBEDA 1 Tord Asle Gjerdalen NOR 01:09:59 1 Britta Johansson Norgren CZE 01:23:25 1 Petter Eliassen NOR 03:02:35 1 Seraina Boner SUI 03:29:36
2 Ilya Chernousov RUS 01:10:00 2 Kateřina Smutná SWE 01:23:27 KAISER MAXIMILIAN LAUF 2 Johan Kjølstad NOR 03:02:35 2 Astrid Øyre Slind NOR 03:33:43
3 Petter Eliassen NOR 01:10:01 3 Sara Lindborg SWE 01:23:43 3 Tord Asle Gjerdalen NOR 03:02:51 3 Katerina Smutna CZE 03:36:07
VASALOPPET CHINA 1 Andreas Nygaard NOR 02:11:35 1 Olga Rotcheva RUS 02:29:01 1 Tord Asle Gjerdalen NOR 01:14:02 1 Britta Johansson Norgren SWE 01:28:01
2 Jens Eriksson SWE 02:11:35 2 Britta Johansson Norgren SWE 02:30:44 TOBLACH-CORTINA 2 Petter Eliassen NOR 01:14:02 2 Seraina Boner SUI 01:28:02
3 Stian Hoelgaard NOR 02:11:35 3 Masako Ishida JPN 02:33:15 3 John Kristian Dahl NOR 01:14:28 3 Masako Ishida JPN 01:28:03
KAISER MAXIMILIAN LAUF 1 Andreas Nygaard NOR 03:21:44 1 Kateřina Smutná CZE 03:43:48 1 John Kristian Dahl NOR 04:08:00 1 Katerina Smutna CZE 04:17:56
2 Tord Asle Gjerdalen NOR 03:21:45 2 Astrid Øyre Slind NOR 03:43:59 VASALOPPET 2 Stian Hoelgaard NOR 04:08:01 2 Britta Johansson Norgren SWE 04:17:58
3 Stian Hoelgaard NOR 03:21:45 3 Britta Johansson Norgren SWE 03:47:23 3 Anders Høst NOR 04:08:02 3 Lina Korsgren SWE 04:18:03
LA DIAGONELA 1 Ilya Chernousov RUS 02:03:39 1 Kateřina Smutná CZE 02:20:49 1 John Kristian Dahl NOR 02:27:34 1 Seraina Boner SUI 02:55:04
2 Tord Asle Gjerdalen NOR 02:03:41 2 Britta Johansson Norgren SWE 02:21:52 BIRKEBEINERRENNET 2 Anders Aukland NOR 02:27:34 2 Justyna Kowalczyk POL 02:55:14
3 Øystein Pettersen NOR 02:03:42 3 Sara Lindborg SWE 02:25:06 3 Petter Eliassen NOR 02:27:34 3 Masako Ishida JPN 02:56:01
MARCIALONGA 1 Tord Asle Gjerdalen NOR 02:08:36 1 Kateřina Smutná SWE 02:22:46 1 Johan Kjølstad NOR 02:35:46 1 Justyna Kowalczyk POL 03:02:01
2 Johan Kjølstad NOR 02:08:38 2 Britta Johansson Norgren CZE 02:22:46 ÅREFJÄLLSLOPPET 2 John Kristian Dahl NOR 02:35:52 2 Seraina Boner SUI 03:02:17
3 Morten Eide Pedersen NOR 02:08:38 3 Sara Lindborg SWE 02:27:08 3 Petter Eliassen NOR 02:35:55 3 Masako Ishida JPN 03:03:18
TOBLACH-CORTINA 1 Tord Asle Gjerdalen NOR 02:04:59 1 Kateřina Smutná CZE 02:30:32
2 Petter Eliassen NOR 02:04:59 2 Britta Johansson Norgren SWE 02:30:35
3 Morten Eide Pedersen NOR 02:06:42 3 Astrid Øyre Slind NOR 02:30:39
JIZERSKÁ PADESÁTKA 1 Morten Eide Pedersen NOR 01:55:53.1 1 Kateřina Smutná CZE 02:17:34
2 Petter Eliassen NOR 01:55:53.6 2 Britta Johansson Norgren SWE 02:17:45
3 Tord Asle Gjerdalen NOR 01:57:06 3 Astrid Øyre Slind NOR 02:18:15
VASALOPPET 1 John Kristian Dahl NOR 03:57:18 1 Britta Johansson Norgren SWE 04:19:43
2 Andreas Nygaard NOR 03:57:18 2 Astrid Øyre Slind NOR 04:21:21
3 Stian Hoelgaard NOR 03:57:18 3 Sara Lindborg SWE 04:28:47
BIRKEBEINERRENNET 1 Martin Johnsrud Sundby NOR 02:20:53 1 Justyna Kowalczyk POL 02:46:42
2 Petter Eliassen NOR 02:21:41 2 Britta Johansson Norgren SWE 02:50:57
3 Simen Østensen NOR 02:21:45 3 Masako Ishida JPN 02:51:45
ÅREFJÄLLSLOPPET 1 Anders Aukland NOR 02:14:16 1 Britta Johansson Norgren SWE 02:40:20
2 Tord Asle Gjerdalen NOR 02:14:16 2 Kateřina Smutná CZE 02:40:22
3 Oskar Kardin SWE 02:14:21 3 Kari Vikhagen Gjeitnes NOR 02:40:25
REISTADLØPET 1 Petter Eliassen NOR 02:31:41 1 Justyna Kowalczyk POL 02:53:23
2 Anders Aukland NOR 02:34:58 2 Masako Ishida JPN 02:54:18
3 Simen Østensen NOR 02:35:12 3 Astrid Øyre Slind NOR 02:56:51
YLLÄS-LEVI 1 Petter Eliassen NOR 02:48:38 1 Kateřina Smutná CZE 03:13:53
2 Andreas Nygaard NOR 02:49:37 2 Britta Johansson Norgren SWE 03:13:53
3 Stian Hoelgaard NOR 02:49:38 3 Justyna Kowalczyk POL 03:20:32
THE 2016 SEASON MEN WOMEN
1 John Kristian Dahl NOR 53:15.21 1 Katerina Smutna CZE 01:01:47
SGAMBEDA 2 Eugeniy Dementiev RUS 53:15.30 2 Britta Johansson Norgren SWE 01:01:48
3 Johan Kjølstad NOR 53:15.49 3 Justyna Kowalczyk POL 01:01:48
1 Petter Eliassen NOR 02:12:35 1 Britta Johansson Norgren SWE 02:38:27
JIZERSKÁ PADESÁTKA 2 Johan Kjølstad NOR 02:15:49 2 Lina Korsgren SWE 02:39:28
3 Anders Aukland NOR 02:15:50 3 Sara Lindborg SUI 02:40:42
1 Petter Eliassen NOR 02:22:05 1 Britta Johansson Norgren SWE 02:41:06
LA DIAGONELA 2 Tord Asle Gjerdalen NOR 02:22:14 2 Katerina Smutna CZE 02:42:08
3 Morten Eide Pedersen NOR 02:22:54 3 Seraina Boner SUI 02:42:57

92 PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE 93
FACTS & STATS FACTS & STATS

FACTS & STATS FACTS & STATS

TOP 3 AT EVENTS TOP 3 AT EVENTS


RANK NAME NAT. NETTIME RANK NAME NAT. TIME RANK NAME NAT. NETTIME RANK NAME NAT. TIME

THE 2015 SEASON MEN WOMEN THE 2013 SEASON MEN WOMEN
SGAMBEDA 1 Anders Aukland NOR 01:21:21 1 Seraina Boner SUI 01:35:07 VASALOPPET 1 Jørgen Aukland NOR 03:50:49 1 Laila Kveli NOR 04:22:22
2 Johan Kjølstad NOR 01:21:34 2 Katerina Smutna AUT 01:35:32 2 Daniel Tynell SWE 03:50:51 2 Seraina Boner SUI 04:23:51
3 Øystein Pettersen NOR 01:21:35 3 Julia Ivanova RUS 01:35:34 3 Anders Aukland NOR 03:50:51 3 Sandra Hansson SWE 04:31:51
JIZERSKÁ PADESÁTKA 1 Morten Eide Pedersen NOR 01:46:30 1 Katerina Smutna AUT 02:06:34 BIRKEBEINERRENNET 1 Anders Aukland NOR 02:42:39 1 Seraina Boner SUI 03:09:13
2 Petter Eliassen NOR 01:46:33 2 Masako Ishida JPN 02:07:21 2 Eldar Rønning NOR 02:42:51 2 Sandra Hansson SWE 03:15:06
3 Tord Asle Gjerdalen NOR 01:47:29 3 Seraina Boner SUI 02:09:01 3 Espen Harald Bjerke NOR 02:43:02 3 Jenny Hansson SWE 03:15:14
LA DIAGONELA 1 Øystein Pettersen NOR 02:03:11 1 Masako Ishida JPN 02:23:58 ÅREFJÄLLSLOPPET 1 Anders Aukland NOR 03:21:08 1 Seraina Boner SUI 03:57:12
2 Christoffer Callesen NOR 02:03:14 2 Katerina Smutna AUT 02:24:01 1 Jørgen Aukland NOR 03:21:08 2 Laila Kveli NOR 03:58:41
3 John Kristian Dahl NOR 02:03:15 3 Seraina Boner SUI 02:24:01 3 Jens Eriksson SWE 03:21:12 3 Riitta Liisa Roponen FIN 04:00:09
MARCIALONGA 1 Tord Asle Gjerdalen NOR 02:05:16 1 Katerina Smutna AUT 02:20:32 THE 2012 SEASON MEN WOMEN
2 Anders Aukland NOR 02:05:18 2 Laila Kveli NOR 02:20:42 JIZERSKÁ PADESÁTKA 1 Stanislav Řezáč CZE 02:21:49 1 Sara Svendsen NOR 02:42:20
3 Øystein Pettersen NOR 02:05:22 3 Seraina Boner SUI 02:20:45 2 Jimmie Johnsson SWE 02:21:58 2 Tatjana Mannima EST 02:46:39
KÖNIG LUDWIG LAUF 1 Petter Eliassen SWE 02:49:10 1 Britta Johansson Norgren SWE 02:16:29 3 Jørgen Aukland NOR 02:21:58 3 Jenny Hansson SWE 02:48:52
2 Tore Bjørseth Berdal NOR 01:59:43 2 Katerina Smutna AUT 02:17:10 MARCIALONGA 1 Jørgen Aukland NOR 02:55:37 1 Susanne Nyström SWE 03:23:20
3 Tord Asle Gjerdalen NOR 01:59:45 3 Lina Korsgren SWE 02:17:10 2 Anders Aukland NOR 02:55:39 2 Jenny Hansson SWE 03:24:17
VASALOPPET 1 Petter Eliassen NOR 04:01:48 1 Justyna Kowalczyk POL 04:41:02 3 Stanislav Řezáč CZE 02:55:44 3 Stephanie Santer ITA 03:30:35
2 Anders Aukland NOR 04:01:54 2 Britta Johansson Norgren SWE 04:45:19 KÖNIG LUDWIG LAUF 1 Stanislav Řezáč CZE 02:16:36 1 Susanne Nyström SWE 02:36:18
3 Stanislav Řezáč CZE 04:02:12 3 Seraina Boner SUI 04:49:17 2 Jerry Ahrlin SWE 02:16:36 2 Jenny Hansson SWE 02:36:23
BIRKEBEINERRENNET 1 Petter Eliassen NOR 02:19:28 1 Therese Johaug NOR 02:41:47 3 Jørgen Aukland NOR 02:16:37 3 Seraina Boner SUI 02:38:20
2 Martin Johnsrud Sundby NOR 02:19:39 2 Katerina Smutna AUT 02:44:27 TARTU MARATON 1 Jörgen Brink SWE 02:43:20 1 Susanne Nyström SWE 03:06:27
3 John Kristian Dahl NOR 02:19:44 3 Seraina Boner SUI 02:44:29 2 Daniel Richardsson SWE 02:43:21 2 Jenny Hansson SWE 03:06:27
ÅREFJÄLLSLOPPET 1 Petter Eliassen NOR 02:04:28 1 Seraina Boner SUI 02:23:09 3 Jimmie Johnsson SWE 02:43:23 3 Seraina Boner SUI 03:06:30
2 Tord Asle Gjerdalen NOR 02:05:18 2 Sofia Bleckur SWE 02:24:44 VASALOPPET 1 Jörgen Brink SWE 03:38:41 1 Vibeke Skofterud NOR 04:08:25
3 John Kristian Dahl NOR 02:06:20 3 Masako Ishida JPN 02:25:02 2 Daniel Tynell SWE 03:38:42 2 Laila Kveli NOR 04:11:31
THE 2014 SEASON MEN WOMEN 3 Stanislav Řezáč CZE 03:38:42 3 Seraina Boner SUI 04:14:28
LA DIAGONELA 1 Rikard Tynell SWE 01:56:49 1 Seraina Boner SUI 02:15:21 BIRKEBEINERRENNET 1 Anders Aukland NOR 02:21:34 1 Seraina Boner SUI 02:47:03
2 Johan Kjølstad NOR 01:56:54 2 Larisa Shaidurova RUS 02:16:12 2 Roger Aa Djupvik NOR 02:21:58 2 Stephanie Santer ITA 02:50:08
3 John Kristian Dahl NOR 01:56:55 3 Susanne Nyström SWE 02:18:16 3 Espen Harald Bjerke NOR 02:22:08 3 Jenny Hansson SWE 02:50:36
MARCIALONGA 1 Simen Østensen NOR 03:10:16 1 Julia Tikhonova BLR 03:27:54 VÅLÅDALEN 1 Anders Aukland NOR 02:32:42 1 Seraina Boner SUI 02:58:19
2 John Kristian Dahl NOR 03:10:29 2 Seraina Boner SUI 03:29:03 2 Jörgen Brink SWE 02:32:42 2 Sara Svendsen NOR 02:59:11
3 Jørgen Aukland NOR 03:10:29 3 Annika Löfström SWE 03:30:19 3 Mathias Fredriksson SWE 02:32:45 3 Laila Kveli NOR 03:00:09
KÖNIG LUDWIG LAUF 1 Johan Kjølstad NOR 01:57:58 1 Seraina Boner SUI 02:07:42 THE 2011 SEASON MEN WOMEN
2 Simen Østensen NOR 01:58:01 2 Tuva Toftdahl Staver NOR 02:08:01 JIZERSKÁ PADESÁTKA 1 Anders Aukland NOR 02:05:40 1 Sandra Hansson SWE 02:36:50
3 Daniel Tynell SWE 01:58:02 3 Laila Kveli NOR 02:08:01 2 Oskar Svärd SWE 02:07:31 2 Seraina Boner SUI 02:38:20
VASALOPPET 1 John Kristian Dahl NOR 04:14:34 1 Laila Kveli NOR 04:31:57 3 Stanislav Řezáč CZE 02:09:53 3 Susanne Nyström SWE 02:39:24
2 Johan Kjølstad NOR 04:14:37 2 Britta Johansson Norgren SWE 04:33:06 MARCIALONGA 1 Jerry Ahrlin SWE 02:49:10 1 Seraina Boner SUI 03:15:07
3 Jörgen Brink SWE 04:14:38 3 Annika Löfström SWE 04:33:48 2 Oskar Svärd SWE 02:49:38 2 Sandra Hansson SWE 03:16:26
ÅREFJÄLLSLOPPET 1 Daniel Richardsson SWE 02:44:42 1 Charlotte Kalla SWE 03:09:21 3 Stanislav Řezáč CZE 02:50:38 3 Susanne Nyström SWE 03:16:59
2 Stanislav Řezáč CZE 02:45:58 2 Kerttu Niskanen FIN 03:10:18 KÖNIG LUDWIG LAUF 1 Jerry Ahrlin SWE 01:38:57 1 Sandra Hansson SWE 01:50:24
3 Anders Aukland NOR 02:45:59 3 Britta Johansson Norgren SWE 03:11:59 2 Stanislav Řezáč CZE 01:38:57 2 Seraina Boner SUI 01:50:25
THE 2013 SEASON MEN WOMEN 3 Oskar Svärd SWE 01:38:58 3 Susanne Nyström SWE 01:53:22
JIZERSKÁ PADESÁTKA 1 Anders Aukland NOR 02:12:19 1 Valentina Shevchenko UKR 02:36:16 VASALOPPET 1 Jörgen Brink SWE 03:51:52 1 Jenny Hansson SWE 04:25:31
2 Lukáš Bauer CZE 02:12:44 2 Seraina Boner SUI 02:36:47 2 Stanislav Řezáč CZE 03:51:52 2 Susanne Nyström SWE 04:26:19
3 Jørgen Aukland NOR 02:15:15 3 Aino-Kaisa Saarinen FIN 02:38:49 3 Jerry Ahrlin SWE 03:51:56 3 Sofia Bleckur SWE 04:30:35
MARCIALONGA 1 Jørgen Aukland NOR 02:58:21 1 Seraina Boner SUI 03:29:25 BIRKEBEINERRENNET 1 Stanislav Řezáč CZE 02:39:55 1 Seraina Boner SUI 03:11:17
2 Stanislav Řezáč CZE 02:58:29 2 Laila Kveli NOR 03:31:22 2 Jörgen Brink SWE 02:39:55 2 Jenny Hansson SWE 03:12:06
3 Anders Aukland NOR 02:58:37 3 Tatjana Jambaeva RUS 03:31:56 3 Jerry Ahrlin SWE 02:39:56 3 Sara Svendsen NOR 03:12:10
KÖNIG LUDWIG LAUF 1 Jerry Ahrlin SWE 01:51:14 1 Seraina Boner SUI 01:58:15 NOREFJELLRENNET 1 Anders Aukland NOR 03:47:47 1 Seraina Boner SUI 04:43:49
2 Jörgen Brink SWE 01:51:14 2 Jenny Hansson SWE 01:58:35 2 Daniel Richardsson SWE 03:49:36 2 Solfrid Braathen NOR 04:48:28
3 Anders Aukland NOR 01:51:15 3 Laila Kveli NOR 02:00:57 3 Jörgen Brink SWE 03:51:32 3 Jenny Hansson SWE 04:48:52

94 PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE 95
FACTS & STATS FACTS & STATS

FACTS & STATS

VISMA SKI CLASSICS EVENT WINNERS

15 SERAINA STANISLAV ØYSTEIN

NOR
CZE
SUI
BONER 3 ŘEZÁČ 1 PETTERSEN

10 KATEŘINA JERRY DANIEL

SWE

SWE
CZE
SMUTNÁ 3 AHRLIN 1 RICHARDSSON

ANDERS SANDRA VALENTINA


NOR

SWE

UKR
9 AUKLAND 2 HANSSON 1 SHEVCHENKO

PETTER LAILA VIBEKE

NOR
NOR

NOR
9 ELIASSEN 2 KVELI 1 SKOFTERUD

BRITTA JOHANSSON JOHAN SARA

NOR

NOR
SWE

8 NORGREN 2 KJØLSTAD 1 SVENDSEN

TORD ASLE MORTEN JULIA


NOR

NOR

RUS
6 GJERDALEN 2 EIDE PEDERSEN 1 TIKHONOVA

JOHN KRISTIAN ANDREAS RIKARD


NOR

NOR

SWE
5 2 1
NE

DAHL NYGAARD TYNELL


W
!

JØRGEN JENNY SIMEN


NOR

NOR
SWE

4 AUKLAND 1 HANSSON 1 ØSTENSEN

JUSTYNA MASAKO OLGA


POL

RUS
JPN

4 1 1
NE

5
KOWALCZYK ISHIDA ROTCHEVA

W
!
JÖRGEN THERESE ILYA

RUS
NOR
SWE

3 1 1
NE

BRINK JOHAUG CHERNOUSOV


W
!

CHARLOTTE MARTIN NOR


SWE

SUSANNE
SWE

3 1 1
NE

NYSTRÖM KALLA J. SUNDBY


W
!

VISMA SKI CLASSICS LEGENDS


VISMA SKI
EVENTS

NAME VICTORIES SKI VICTORIES TOTAL


CLASSICS (2011-) BEFORE 2011 VICTORIES CLASSICS
Anders Aukland 9 7 16 LEGENDS ARE
Seraina Boner 15 - 15 THE TOURS’
Stanislav Řezáč 3 11 14 PRO ATHLE-
NEW! Kateřina Smutná 10 - 10 TES WHO
Petter Eliasson 9 - 9 HAVE WON
Jørgen Aukland 4 4 8 FIVE EVENTS
Britta Johansson Norgren 8 - 8 OR MORE
Oskar Svärd - 7 7
– including the
Jenny Hansson 1 6 7
races before
Ski Classics
Jerry Ahrlin 3 3 6
was created.
NEW! Tord Asle Gjerdalen 6 - 6
Daniel Tynell - 5 5
Sandra Hansson 2 3 5
NEW! John Kristian Dahl 5 5

96 PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE 97
FACTS & STATS

APRIL 14TH 2018


MEDIA 50 & 67 KM CLASSIC TECHNIQUE
YLLASLEVI.COM
LIVE TV BROADCAST TIMING

Pro Team Tempo


Sunday November 26th 2017
11 km
1 Broadcast Start
09.45 10:00
Start Time Women Start Time Men
12:00
Prel. Broadcast End
13.30

Sgambeda
Saturday December 2nd 2017
35 km
2 Broadcast Start Start Time Women
09.15 09:30 10:00
Start Time Men Prel. Broadcast End
12.00

Kaiser Maximilian Lauf


Saturday January 13th 2018
60 km
3 Broadcast Start
08.30 08:45
Start Time Women Start Time Men
09:00
Prel. Broadcast End
13.00

La Diagonela
Saturday January 20nd 2018
65 km
4 Broadcast Start
09.05 09:20
Start Time Women Start Time Men
09:30
Prel. Broadcast End
12.35

Marcialonga
Sunday January 29th 2018
70 km
5 Broadcast Start
07:35 07:50
Start Time Women Start Time Men
08:00
Prel. Broadcast End
11.45

Toblach-Cortina 50 km
6 Broadcast Start Start Time Women Start Time Men Prel. Broadcast End
PETTORALI SKI

Saturday February 3rd 2018 08:15 08:30 09:00 11:45

Jizerská Padesátka
Sunday February 18th 2018
50 km
7 Broadcast Start
09.00 09:15
Start Time Women Start Time Men
09:30
Prel. Broadcast End
12.15

Vasaloppet
Sunday March 4th 2018
90 km
8 Broadcast Start Start Time Women
07:45 08:00 08:00
Start Time Men Prel. Broadcast End
13.00

Birkebeinerrennet
Saturday March 17th 2018
54 km
9 Broadcast Start
07.30 07:45
Start Time Women Start Time Men
08:00
Prel. Broadcast End
11.15

Reistadløpet
Saturday April 7th 2018
50 km
10 Broadcast Start
08.30 08:45
Start Time Women Start Time Men
09:00
Prel. Broadcast End
12.30

Ylläs-Levi
Saturday April 8th 2018
67 km
11 Broadcast Start Start Time Women
08.10 08:25 09:00
Start Time Men Prel. Broadcast End
12.30

* Timings in local time CET

PARTNERS

98 PRO SKIING – SEASON VIII GUIDE


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