The overarching goal is the Yellow bib, the trophy awarded to the overall winner of the long-distance series Ski Classics. Along with it comes a substantial amount of prize money in the account, honor, prestige, bragging rights, and significant sporting opportunities.

“The main goal is the overall victory,” confirms Max Novak to ProXCskiing.com.

The 27-year-old has been close ever since he entered the Pro Tour circuit: In his first Ski Classics season, he finished eighth overall and won the Youth bib. In the heavily Covid-affected 2020/21 season, he finished 15th overall and third in the Youth competition. In the last two years, he has been third overall. Now, he is eager to take the final step up.

“There aren’t so many candidates, really. Emil Persson dominated last year, so he’s the man to chase. But I think Petter Stakston and Amund Riege could also be contenders”, says Novak.

Read More: Petter Northug before the start of the Ski Classics season: “I have a completely different starting point this year”

Willing to Sacrifice the Yellow Bib

The 27-year-old believes he is a real candidate for the overall victory if he sticks to the plan.

“To win overall, you have to be in top form and consistently deliver throughout the season rather than having some major peaks (and valleys) along the way. You have to perform relatively well all the time. It’s a decision I’ve made, and it’s what I’m going for”, says Novak.

But there is one thing he is willing to sacrifice the overall victory for.

If I find “myself in a position where I have the opportunity to win a big race and have to choose between pushing for a victory or playing it safe for a good placement, then I go for the win. There is a risk that it may cost me points in the overall competition. But if I win, it’s worth it”, says Novak, adding:

“I have only won one race before in Ski Classics.”

Also Read: Countdown to the Ski Classics Season XV

The article continues below.

Training Adjustments

Novak is now in his second season with Team Aker Dæhlie, a Norwegian Pro Team with, among others, long-distance queen Astrid Øyre Slind.

Before the current season, he tried to take a step back to see the big picture in training, identified where he needed to focus to fulfill his ambitions, and made a plan.

“I have changed a bit in the training leading up to this season. Previously, I have been very strong in the summer and in the preseason but struggled to maintain the level throughout the winter. Now I have taken it down a notch in the summer”, says Novak, explaining that the change is as much mental as it is physical.

“There aren’t significant physical changes, but I have made some major mental adjustments. The idea is that being a bit lower in the summer should contribute to me being more focused in the winter and being in my best form from December to April, and that I have enough surplus and energy to stand the entire season,” concludes Max Novak.

Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XV

The Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XV starts next Saturday. The winter season kicks off in Bad Gastein, Austria, on December 9 and 10, 2023. The season opener features a weekend with two events: Bad Gastein PTT – Pro Team Tempo and Bad Gastein Criterium.

Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XV (2023/2024)

• Event 1: December 9, 2023 – Bad Gastein PTT, Austria, 15km
• Event 2: December 10, 2023 – Bad Gastein Criterium, Austria, 36km
• Event 3: December 16, 2023 – La Venosta Criterium, Italy, 35km 
• 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, 56km
• 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, 50km
• Event 10: February 18, 2024 – Grönklitt ITT, Sweden, 12km
• Event 11: March 3, 2024 – Vasaloppet, Sweden, 90km
• Event 12: March 16, 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

December 7, 2023
Photo: Manzoni/Nordic Focus