The event starts with a long uphill stretch, with only a relatively brief downhill segment, to the mountaintop at Raudfjellet (Iconic Climb). Then, Pro Team athletes will face the second challenging uphill starting at the 28km mark, and after 40km of “mountain skiing,” skiers reach Sjusjøen.

Finally, as they approach the latter part of the course, skiers can savor the excitement of speed as they descend towards the finish line at the Olympic stadium, located a few kilometers away from the heart of Lillehammer city.

The historic race between Rena and Lillehammer is always exciting, with never-ending climbs, stunning scenery, and a fast finish down from Sjusjøen. It’s a proper classic finish to the Grand Classics events of Season XV.

As we approach Birkebeinerrennet’s starting line, anticipation grows. This article aims to introduce you to the favorite contenders for victory, offering a glimpse into their recent performances and preparations. Join us as we explore Birken’s fierce competitors.

THE WOMEN CONTENDERS FOR BIRKEBEINERRENNET 2024

As the women’s Birkebeinerrennet draws near, the snowy tracks between Rena and Lillehammer are set to witness an assembly of athletes fighting for victory, all sharpening their skis for a tight competition race. Let’s unveil the favorite women for the victory at Birkebeinerrennet 2024.

The Woman of the Season: Emilie Fleten

Emilie Fleten is having an impressive season. Race after race, it seems more impossible to beat this Norwegian skier from Team Ramudden. Two weeks ago, she won Vasaloppet, and now she is well-positioned to win her first race on home soil.

“I hope to be in good shape and have good skis. But this is a very different race from Vasaloppet,” she said during the Live Sessions. Also, Fleten has been feeling mentally tired after Vasaloppet, especially after dedicating so much effort to winning it.

The Rising Star: Kati Roivas

Kati Roivas, Team Eksjöhus, has not yet won a Pro Tour race, but she is the rising star chasing Emilie Fleten for leadership in the Champion competition. The Finnish skier has had some impressive performances, including a 3rd place at Vasaloppet.

“I really want to fight for 2nd place (overall). I made it this far, so I really want to keep it.”

The Dark Horse: Magni Smedås

Magni Smedås, Team Eksjöhus, had a difficult start to the season, but she has already climbed her way to 5th place overall, and two weeks ago, she managed to finish 2nd at Vasaloppet. Magni is indeed one of the strongest skiers in the circuit, with some important victories under her belt, and she can win Birkebeinerrennet this Sunday, especially given that she conquered 3rd place last year.

“My result at Vasaloppet gave me a lot for Birken. After Vasaloppet, I felt very tired, but hopefully, I will manage to be in shape on Saturday (Sunday),” she said during the Live Sessions.

“Birkebeinerrennet is very important to me. My hometown. This is a really big race for me, and I really want to do well.”

The Swedish Hope: Ida Dahl

Ida Dahl, Team Engcon, had a good start to the season, but during the last races, she did not perform at the top. However, if the Swedish skier fully recovers, she will be one of the athletes to watch. She has never won Birkebeinerrennet, so this might be her chance.

“I’ve been sick many times, with many breaks in my training,” she said during the Live Sessions. “Vasaloppet was one of the worst things I have ever done, and recovery has taken a lot of time. My shape is still not so good, so it will be interesting to see what I can do on Saturday.”

THE MEN CONTENDERS FOR BIRKEBEINERRENNET 2024

As Birkebeinerrennet approaches, emerging talents and seasoned skiers are gearing up for what promises to be a thrilling race. Each athlete brings a formidable mix of skill, endurance, and sheer willpower. Let’s meet some of the favorites expected to shine on this special day.

The Defending Champion: Andreas Nygaard

Last season, the winner of Birkebeinerrennet was Andreas Nygaard, Team Ragde Charge, winning the prestigious Norwegian race for the 3^rd time, 2^nd in a row. This year, despite suffering a shoulder injury that prevented him from performing at his best, Andreas Nygaard has been a strong athlete with a few victories and several top performances. However, he has yet to win a Grand Classics event this season, which might be his chance.

Andreas Nygaard’s good shape and experience might make him the favorite candidate for this Sunday’s win.

The Rising Star: Kasper Staadas

Kasper Staadas is having his best season so far. The Norwegian skier from Team Ragde Charge has won several races, became a Ski Classics Legend, and showed incredible strength at the last competitions. Moreover, he is leading the Champion bib competition.

Despite not having had his best performance at Vasaloppet, the race profile of Birkebeinerrennet might suit Staadas’ skiing capabilities, with a not-so-long course, but with some uphills where he might have the chance to be faster than most of his competitors.

The Solid Skier: Johan Hoel

Johan Hoel, Team Ragde Charge, is ranked 2nd in the Ski Classics Champion competition. This Norwegian skier has been consistently performing at the top, and he was 2nd at Vasaloppet, showing that his shape is getting better and better.

However, Johan Hoel is still waiting for his first Ski Classics Pro Tour win, and Birkebeinerrennet might suit him well. Last year, he was 2nd behind Andreas Nygaard. Will he achieve his first victory this year?

The Dark Horse: Thomas Ødegaarden

Thomas Ødegaarden, Team Eksjöhus, is currently ranked as the 3rd athlete in the Champion competition. Despite not having a victory, he has been consistently among the top athletes in almost every race. And last week, he won the Marcialonga Arctic Race after gaining 4th place at Vasaloppet. Undoubtedly, Thomas is having his best season so far and might be in shape to reach the top of the podium.

“My goal is to win races and get the Climb bib. My goal is to win Birkebeinerrennet and go for the climb bib,” he said during the Birkebeinerrennet Live Sessions this week.

Also Read: Watch Birkebeinerrennet Live Sessions

Looking Ahead

As these athletes and many others prepare for the race, their strategies, form, and mental strength will be tested. Each has their eyes on the prize, but in the end, only one can claim the glory of crossing the finish line first in Lillehammer. With such a diverse and talented field, Birkebeinerrennet 2024 is poised to showcase the highest level of long-distance skiing.

Birkebeinerrennet – Ski Classics Pro Tour Event 12

• Date: Sunday, March 17, 2024
• Distance: 54km Classic Technique
• Place: Rena-Lillehammer, Norway
• Start Time: Men 7:45 CET / Women 8:00 CET
• Number of SC Climbs: 2
  • Raudfjellet: 20km (Iconic Climb)
  • Midtfjellet: 34km
• Number of SC Sprints: 0 
• Website: Birkebeinerrennet 
• Live Center: Birkebeinerrennet
• SC Play: Birkebeinerrennet

More information about Birkebeinerrennet can be found HERE and HERE

Birkebeinerrennet – Video Highlights Season XIV

Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XV

The Season XV of Ski Classics Pro Tour consists of 15 events on 11 event weekends in 6 different countries. The season started in Bad Gastein, Austria, on December 9, 2023, and will end in Norway with the 100km Ski Classics Grand Finale Janteloppet on April 13, 2024.

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, 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, 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