On Sunday, January 28, 2024, the Pro Tour continues with Marcialonga. Covering a challenging 70-kilometer course, the event marks the seventh Ski Classics stage and the first Grand Classics Season XV.

The traditional Italian long-distance skiing race, Marcialonga, has twice been awarded the “Best Event of the Year” in Ski Classics, and the 2024 edition will mark Season XV’s seventh event, the first Grand Classics race, and their 51^st edition.

At the forefront of Marcialonga’s appeal lies its distinctive atmosphere and a course that winds through historical villages, leaving an unforgettable mark on skiers. Being the first of the four Grand Classics, Marcialonga is one of the major monuments and most prestigious events to win. After this weekend, we will know who is still in the contest to fulfill a Grand Slam.

The top contenders on the men’s side

Kasper Staadas – Team Ragde Charge

Kasper Staadas’ last performance was noteworthy. Besides having won Engadin La Diagonela, the Norwegian skier showed tactical intelligence and the ability to overcome pressure at the end of the race. Moreover, Kasper has become a Ski Classics Legend.

Also Read: Kasper Stadaas becomes a Ski Classics Legend

He is motivated to continue this series of top performances, and now that the most important races are approaching, Kasper wants to win some of them. “My main goal is to win Marcialonga and Vasaloppet. I am hoping for a good day on Sunday.”

Moreover, Kasper believes that competition will be tough. “There are a lot of guys who maybe haven’t been so good before but will be in peak shape for Sunday”, he said during the Ski Classics Live Sessions on Wednesday. “I would love to be one of the guys fighting for the finish line.”

Watch Here: Marcialonga Live Sessions

Johan Hoel – Team Ragde Charge

Johan Hoel conquered his second podium of the season last week, finishing 2^nd at Engadin La Diagonela and showing he is having his best season so far. “I’m still waiting for my first win at Ski Classics”, he said during the Live Sessions.

“Before the season, Marcialonga was my focus race this year. I will do what I can to make that happen.”

Andreas Nygaard – Team Ragde Charge

Andreas Nygaard skipped Engadin La Diagonela due to a shoulder injury. If he managed to fully recover, Nygaard will be hard to beat. The Norwegian skier has already demonstrated that he is back on his top shape, and he is probably not as tired as the other skiers who competed last weekend.

After winning the 3 Zinnen Marathon and La Venosta Criterium, it is safe to say that Nygaard is a strong contender for Marcialonga, the only Grand Classics race he has never won.

Axel Jutterström – Team Eksjöhus

Axel Jutterström is the 2^nd classified in the Yellow Champion bib competition. The Swedish skier has not yet won a Ski Classics event, but he has already demonstrated that he his good at longer distances (3^rd at Vasaloppet), and that his shape is currently improving.

Axel is one of the most likely candidates to be on the podium this Sunday.

The top contenders on the women’s side

Emilie Fleten – Team Ramudden

“I’m excited to race on Sunday,” said Emilie during the Live Sessions. Emilie has been having many top performances and some victories. The Norwegian skier is leading the Yellow Champion bib competition, and she is feeling her energy level coming back up again. “We know Magni is in good shape, and Ida will be hard to beat,” she said.

Due to sickness in the last year, Emilie hasn’t competed in Marcialonga. So, she is not as experienced in this course as her competitors. However, she is in good shape and expecting a hard race from the start.

Ida Dahl – Team Engcon

Ida Dahl, who is currently the 2^nd classified skier for the Yellow Champion bib competition, is coming from a bad result at Engadin La Diagonela. “I’ve been feeling quite bad during the week, so I am just resting and enjoying the sun,” she said during the Live Sessions. “I had problems with my stomach and couldn’t push so hard.”

However, Ida is one of the top performers in the Ski Classics circuit, so it is safe to hope that she will be able to reach top level on Marcialonga.

Magni Smedås – Team Eksjöhus

After a period without any racing, Magni Smedås is coming from a victory at Engadin La Diagonela. “After being injured, knowing that I could keep up against the other girls is comforting,” she said during the Live Sessions.

After having won last year’s Marcialonga, the Norwegian skier is aiming to win this year’s edition. “I feel very well, I feel I can recover quick from every session. Hopefully I will feel good this weekend.”

Astrid Øyre Slind – Team Aker Dæhlie

Marcialonga will be the first Ski Classics event for Astrid Øyre Slind this season. So far, Astrid Øyre Slind has been competing in the World Cup. She withdrew from the Tour de Ski due to illness, which disrupted her preparation for her season debut in Ski Classics.

“I’m nervous because I’ve been sick and unsure about my form, but also because I haven’t done much skiing. The other girls have competed in several races while I haven’t been skiing much. I feel a bit underprepared,” she said.

However, Astrid Øyre Slind is undoubtedly one of the best skiers in the world, and despite reaching the podium, she has never won Marcialonga. This year, she is hoping to achieve that goal: “Victory is the only thing I’m satisfied with,” says Astrid.

The Unpredictable Nature of Ski Classics

As always, Ski Classics Pro Tour hold an element of unpredictability. While performances at the 3 Zinnen Ski Marathon provide insights, Engadin La Diagonela could bring its own surprises. With a mix of seasoned athletes and emerging talents, it promises to be a thrilling event, full of endurance, skill, and strategy. As these athletes prepare for the challenge, one thing is certain: Marcialonga 2024 will be a captivating spectacle for fans and a demanding race for the skiers.

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 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

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