On Saturday, January 22, the long-distance skiing race promises stunning scenery and a real battle at around 1800 meters above sea level and 55km of length.

At the men’s race, it seems that we have a handful of suitable candidates. Winner of La Venosta Time Trial and fourth place at La Diagonela last season, Tord Asle Gjerdalen, Team XPND Fuel, is the man to beat. Gjerdalen is on a rising form, preparing for Marcialonga, but can surprise again in this Saturday’s race.

Last year’s winner Oskar Kardin, Team Ragde Charge, had a less than expected result at La Venosta Time Trial but promised to repeat last year’s result. Kardin’s teammate, Andreas Nygaard, runner-up last year, is another strong name to keep in mind.

In addition, we can anticipate some great performances and a good fight for top places from Emil Persson, Lager 157 Ski Team, fourth last year; Maxim Vylegzanin, Russian Winter Team, Magnus Vesterheim, Team Kaffebryggeriet, Stian Hoelgaard, Team Curira, and finally, Max Novak, Team Ramudden, ready to defend his Yellow Bib.

As in the men’s race, the women’s field also suffered casualties due to Covid. Top favorites Emilie Fleten, Team XPND Fuel, and Astrid Øyre Slind, Team Koteng Eidissen, are in quarantine and will not start. Another name missing from the start list is from the last year’s winner Jenny Larsson, Team Ramudden, who is still recovering from a hand injury.

It seems that we now have three potential Engadin La Diagonela winners. The top favorite is Britta Johansson Norgren, Lager 157 Ski Team, who won in style last week’s La Venosta Time Trial and is ready to win this Saturday again. Lina Korsgren, Team Ramudden, who was second last year and third last week, and Ida Dahl, Team Ramudden, fourth last year and second at La Venosta Time Trial, are ready to face Johansson Norgren, and who knows, use team tactics to get to the top of the podium.

In addition to these three athletes, Olga Tsareva, Russian Winter Team, Laila Kveli, Team Engcon, and Anniken Gjerde Alnes, Team Ragde Charge are all potential skiers to be close to the podium.

Expect many battles on the high altitude course as the Pro skiers fight for glory in the Visma Ski Classics Engadin La Diagonela.

ENGADIN LA DIAGONELA

• Location: Zuoz, Switzerland
• Date: Saturday, January 22
• Start Time: Men 8:55 CET / Women 9:00 CET
• Distance: 55km Classic Technique

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