The 60km long-distance race starts in Bardufoss and ends in Finnsnes, passing through fantastic landscapes. Summit 2 Senja is a race from the mountains to the fjords involving two more municipalities, Sørreisa and Senja. 

Just like the previous day at Reistadløpet, the world elite will be present to fight for the podium. This article aims to introduce you to the favorite contenders for victory, offering a glimpse into their recent performances and preparations. 

THE MEN CONTENDERS FOR SUMMIT 2 SENJA 2024 

The second last race of the season is here! As Summit 2 Senja approaches, many elite skiers will continue to fight for victory during this thrilling weekend. Each athlete brings a formidable mix of skills, given that the starting field will be packed with traditional cross-country skiers and Pro Team athletes.

Last year, Martin Løwstrøm Nyenget won the race, but this year, several Pro Team athletes can fight for the victory. Let’s meet some of the favorites expected to shine at this special event. 

Also Read: Johan Hoel and Astrid Øyre Slind dominate Reistadløpet 2024 

The Defending Champion: Martin Løwstrøm Nyenget 

Martin Løwstrøm Nyenget, Team Eksjöhus, is one of several skiing stars making their long-distance season debut in the final part of Ski Classics Season XV. Nyenget is not only ready for the event after finishing second at Reistadlopet this Saturday but also the defending champion of Summit 2 Senja. 

On Sunday, he will be racing on a course not as hilly as Reistadløpet so that he may face stiffer competition from the Pro Team athletes. Nevertheless, he is still one of the favorite skiers for victory. 

The Rising Star: Eirik Sverdrup Augdal 

Eirik Sverdrup Augdal is among the strongest contenders for victory. The 28-year-old defeated Johannes Høsflot Klæbo in the Norwegian championship 50km race in Lillehammer the weekend before Easter, finished fourth at Birkebeinerrennet, and third at Reistadløpet this Saturday. Augdal also finished second at Summit 2 Senja last year, showing that this course suits him well. 

At the beginning of the season, the Norwegian skier said that he was hoping to fight for victories: “I want to join and fight for victory in the races I start. I want to see progress and results quickly. At the same time, I respect those at Ski Classics; they are well-trained.” 

Fighting for the Yellow Bib: Kasper Staadas

Kasper Staadas is fighting for the Yellow bib against his teammate Johan Hoel. The Norwegian skier had an impressive start to the season, but after Vasaloppet, it seems that his shape has not been the same. 

Even though his 6th place at Reistadløpet, Summit 2 Senja profile suits his capabilities and is perhaps his last chance to regain the Yellow bib lost this Saturday. 

New Yellow bib holder: Johan Hoel 

Johan Hoel is in the fight for the Yellow bib, so Summit 2 Senja might be an excellent chance to seal the overall victory of Season XV. After two 2nd places in important races like Birkebeinerrennet and Vasaloppet and a superb double-poling win at Reistadløpet this Saturday, Johan seems ready to fight for the victory. The race course is also suitable for Johan Hoel’s skiing style, so it will probably be a tough fight between him and his teammate Kasper Staadas. 

Read More: Impressive race for Hoel – First ever Reistadløpet double poling win!

THE WOMEN CONTENDERS FOR SUMMIT 2 SENJA 2024 

On the women’s side, the long-distance Pro Team athletes will fight an interesting battle. As the women’s Summit 2 Senja draws near, the tracks between Sørreisa and Senja are set to witness a thrilling day. Let’s unveil the favorite women for the Summit 2 Senja 2024 victory. 

The Defending Champion: Astrid Øyre Slind 

Astrid Øyre Slind, who now focuses on long-distance and traditional cross-country skiing, won both races in Tromsø last year, had a fantastic Reistadløpet yesterday, and is considered a favorite.

The weekend before Easter, Øyre Slind won bronze in the 30km race at the Norwegian Championships, 19 seconds behind Magni Smedås from Team Eksjöhus. Last year, Astrid won the race with over one minute ahead of Ida Dahl. This year, assuming her recovery is at least as good as last year’s, she will be a strong contender for the win. 

High Hopes: Magni Smedås 

Smedås, who finished fourth in Summit 2 Senja last year, has shown excellent form in the second half of the season and is a favorite for victory this year, even though a subpar 7th place at Reistadløpet this Saturday. Magni also finished 3rd in the 30 km race during the Norwegian Championships, showing her strength. “I feel good. My body is responsive to training,” Magni said during the press conference. 

Champion Season XV: Emilie Fleten 

After her third place at Reistadløpet, Emilie Fleten sealed her overall victory at the Champion competition. She has already shown how strong she is nowadays in every type of terrain, and after finishing in third place last year, it is safe to say that she might win the race. 

The Finnish Powerhouse: Kati Roivas 

Kati Roivas is currently ranked as the 2nd skier in the Champion competition, and just like Emilie Fleten, the Finnish skier is having the best season of her life. She was not expecting to reach the Yellow bib, but she hopes to have a good weekend, even after 5th place at Reistadløpet. “I hope my body is recovered, and I can have some good races,” she said during the press conference.

In conclusion, Summit 2 Senja promises to be an exhilarating event. Top contenders will vie for victory in both the men’s and women’s categories. With defending champions, rising stars, and athletes fighting for the coveted Yellow bib, the stage is set for intense competition amidst breathtaking Arctic landscapes. 

Stay tuned for an unforgettable display of skill, determination, and endurance as the skiers race from the mountains to the fjords in this thrilling long-distance event.

SUMMIT 2 SENJA 

The weekend continues Sunday, April 7, with Summit 2 Senja, the 14th event of Season XV, voted the ‘Event of the Season’ for Season XIV.

Also Read: Summit 2 Senja – Event of the Season

The 60km long-distance race starts in Bardufoss and ends in Finnsnes, passing through fantastic landscapes. Summit 2 Senja is a race from the mountains to the fjords involving two more municipalities, Sørreisa and Senja.

Above the Arctic Circle is where the pure Arctic madness begins.

SUMMIT 2 SENJA – COURSE MAP & PROFILEMAP

Summit 2 Senja – Ski Classics Pro Tour Event 14

• Date: April 7, 2024
• Distance: 60km Classic Technique
• Place: Bardufoss-Finnsnes, Norway
• Start Time: Men 9:00 CET / Women 9:05 CET
• Number of SC Climbs: 1
  • Magdaskaret: 55km (Iconic Climb)
• Number of SC Sprints: 1
  • Lombnesmyra: 12km
• Website: Summit 2 Senja   
• Live Center: Summit 2 Senja 
• SC Play: Summit 2 Senja  

Summit 2 Senja program, start lists, live timing, and live streaming on SC Play can be found HERE and HERE

SUMMIT 2 SENJA SEASON XIV – VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

SKI CLASSICS ICONIC CLIMBS

The Iconic Climb, launched during Season XIV, is a category in the Ski Classics points table. It is used for the most iconic climbs in Ski Classics. 

Season XV will feature four Iconic Climbs. The season’s fourth and final Iconic Climb is the Magdaskaret Climb in Summit 2 Senja. 

Magdaskaret Iconic Climb

Magdaskaret is the new Iconic Climb for Season XV. Last season, the climb was decisive at the Season XIV Grand Finale, and this year promises the same excitement.

Read More: Ski Classics Iconic Climbs Season XV

WHERE TO WATCH

Summit 2 Senja is just around the corner. Here is an overview of where you can watch the Ski Classics Pro Tour event.

• SVT – Sweden
• NRK – Norway
• Czech TV – Czech Republic
• TVP – Poland
• Warner Bros Discovery – Finland
• RTTR – Italy
• Servus TV – Austria, Germany, Switzerland
• beIN Sports – Australia, Canada, Turkey, USA
• SC PLAY – all countries (English commentary)

The Season XV of Ski Classics Pro Tour consists of 15 events on 11 event weekends in 6 different countries. 

SKI CLASSICS PRO TOUR SEASON XV (2023/2024)

• Event 1: December 9, 2023 – Bad Gastein PTT, Austria, 13km
• Event 2: December 10, 2023 – Bad Gastein Criterium, Austria, 36km
• Event 3: December 16, 2023 – La Venosta Criterium, Italy, 37km 
• Event 4: December 17, 2023 – La Venosta ITT, Italy, 10km
• Event 5: January 13, 2024 – 3 Zinnen Ski Marathon, Italy, 62km
• Event 6: January 20, 2024 – Engadin La Diagonela, Switzerland, 55km
• Event 7: January 28, 2024 – Marcialonga, Italy, 70km
• Event 8: February 11, 2024 – Jizerská50, Czech Republic, 50km
• Event 9: February 17, 2024 – Grönklitt Classic, Sweden, 60km
• Event 10: February 18, 2024 – Grönklitt ITT, Sweden, 13km
• Event 11: March 3, 2024 – Vasaloppet, Sweden, 90km
• Event 12: March 17, 2024 – Birkebeinerrennet, Norway, 54km
• Event 13: April 6, 2024 – Reistadløpet, Norway, 50km
• Event 14: April 7, 2024 – Summit 2 Senja, Norway, 60km
• Event 15: April 13, 2024 – Ski Classics Grand Finale – Janteloppet, Norway, 100km

More information about the Ski Classics Pro Tour can be found at skiclassics.com