Each year, thousands of skiers from around the globe converge on this historic 90-kilometer track, their sights set on glory, personal bests, or simply the satisfaction of completing such a formidable challenge. But among the sea of participants, a select few stand out not just for their speed but for their stories, strategies, and sheer determination that propels them forward. These are the favorites, the Pro Team athletes who have shown through past triumphs and trials that they possess what is needed to contend for the coveted title of Vasaloppet winner.

As we get closer to the starting line of Vasaloppet 2024, there is growing anticipation. This article aims to introduce you to these remarkable athletes, offering a glimpse into their recent performances and their preparations. Join us as we explore the fierce competitors of Vasaloppet 2024.

Also Read: Unveiling the snow conditions on the Vasaloppet course

The Men Contenders for Vasaloppet 2024

As Vasaloppet 2024 approaches, a blend of defending champions, emerging talents, and seasoned skiers is gearing up for what promises to be a thrilling race. Each Pro Team 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: Emil Persson

Emil Persson, Lager 157 Ski Team, the reigning champion, returns to defend his title with eyes set firmly on making history. Despite not having a season as strong as last year, Emil is still one of the strongest skiers on the Ski Classics Pro Tour circuit, and his latest results show an improving form. For example, he reached 2nd place in Marcialonga, showing that he knows how to be in shape for the most important races. With multiple victories under his belt, Persson’s experience and resilience make him a formidable contender again.

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The Rising Star: Kasper Staadas

Kasper Staadas, Team Ragde Charge, is having his best season so far. The Norwegian Pro Team skier has won several races, became a Ski Classics Legend, and showed an incredible and robust shape at last weekend’s competitions. Moreover, he is leading the Champion competition.

Also Read: Kasper Stadaas becomes a Ski Classics Legend

Kasper said at the beginning of the season that his goal was to win Marcialonga or Vasaloppet, and he is still looking to achieve that goal. Vasaloppet might be his chance to fulfill his dream and strengthen his Yellow bib competition leadership.

“I’m at Sjusjøen on camp with the Pasta boys (Team Ragde Charge teammates). It’s been a solid week of training with many kilometers on skis and a little spice in between. I will prepare at home in Oslo for the last couple of days and charge the batteries. I expect this year’s Vasaloppet to be a fast and hard race.”

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The Experienced One: Andreas Nygaard

Only a few skiers know Vasaloppet as well as Andreas Nygaard, Team Ragde Charge. The Norwegian Pro Team skier has won the race twice and is always there for the podium. Despite suffering from a shoulder injury, the athlete has demonstrated that he can fight for victories. Last week, at the Grönklitt Classic, he managed to reach 2nd place, showing that his injury might not diminish his chances of reaching the top at Vasaloppet.

The Dark Horse: Runar Skaug Mathisen

Runar Skaug Mathisen, Lager 157 Ski Team, might not have had the same high number of victories as some of his competitors, but even he managed to win the most important race of the season so far: Marcialonga. The Norwegian skier’s impressive performance showed he can fight against the best athletes in the most important moments.

“I’m staying in Orsa Grönklitt, training with Alvar. The rest of the team will arrive on Monday. I’m doing a lot of interval sessions to find the top speed for Vasaloppet. I expect someone from the Lager 157 Ski Team to be first in Mora,” Runar said to Proxcskiing.com.

The International Hope: Thomas Bing

The German Pro Team athlete Thomas Bing, eD system Silvini Team, is also one of the top contenders for next Sunday’s victory. He is currently in the 7th position in the Champion competition, and he has already had some impressive performances this Season XV, like a 7th position at Marcialonga and 6th at Bad Gastein Criterium. Moreover, Thomas has a unique ability to perform well in longer distances. 

Also Read: Inside eD system Silvini Team’s grueling weekend in Grönklitt

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Thomas Bing has finished Vasaloppet in the 11th position twice, and as he is getting more used to Ski Classics races, he might improve his result or even reach the top of the podium.

The Women Contenders for Vasaloppet 2024

As the women’s Vasaloppet 2024 draws near, the snowy trails of Sweden are set to witness an assembly of athletes like no other—reigning queens of the track, strong challengers, and seasoned ladies of the snow—all sharpening their skis for a tight competition race. Let’s unveil the stars poised to etch their saga into the icy expanse of this illustrious day.

The Defending Champion: Emilie Fleten

Emilie Fleten, the reigning champion, returns to defend her title with eyes set firmly on making history. This season, Emilie, Team Ramudden, is even stronger than before. She is leading all bib competitions (but the Youth), and her competitors are having a hard time taking her off the top of the podium. With multiple victories under her belt this season and after becoming a Ski Classics Legend, will Emilie be able to win Vasaloppet for the second year in a row?

Also Read: Emilie Fleten becomes a Ski Classics Legend

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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 Marcialonga, and this weekend won Tjejvasan, the women’s only race at Vasaloppet’s Winter Week 2024.

Also Read: Kati Roivas wins Tjejvasan in a tight sprint – First event win for Finland

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Now that the most important race of the season is around the corner, it’s possible that she can challenge Fleten and impress everyone with a victory next Sunday. As she said before the beginning of the season: “I want to challenge the top skiers. Last season was consistent and good, but perhaps a standout performance was missing.”

The Experienced One: Astrid Øyre Slind

Astrid Øyre Slind, Team Aker Dæhlie, has not been racing many long-distance skiing events since she has been focusing more on traditional skiing and the World Cup. However, all skiers should pay attention to her moves. If she decides to be on the starting line, Astrid, for sure, will be one of the strongest athletes on the tracks.

The Dark Horse: Anikken Gjerde Alnæs

Anikken Gjerde Alnæs, Team Ragde Charge, is more associated with the sprint sections of the races. However, the Norwegian athlete has been showing an increasing ability to cover longer distances as fast as the winners. For example, last weekend in Grönklitt, she managed to reach the 2nd position of the podium twice.

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However, Anikken fell sick at the wrong time, thus changing her training plans for this period. “I had planned to spend time in Sjusjøen, increasing the training load with longer sessions and intensity. However, the plans have changed as I’ve gotten sick and need some days off.”

The Swedish Hope: Ida Dahl

Ida Dahl, Team Engcon, lost some points, as she has missed some races since Engadin La Diagonela due to sickness. However, if the Swedish skier is fully recovered, she will be one of the athletes to watch for. This weekend at Tjejvasan, she finished in 6th place, which can be a sign that Dahl is returning to her usual shape.

Ida has already won a few races this season and many of the races on the Ski Classics circuit. However, she has never won Vasaloppet. Will this be Ida Dahl’s year?

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 Mora. With such a diverse and talented field, Vasaloppet 2024 is poised to showcase the highest level of cross-country skiing. 

As the race day approaches, the excitement builds, not only for the athletes but also for fans worldwide, eager to witness how the 100th edition of Vasaloppet will unfold.

Read More – Vasaloppet: Nutrition strategy for before, during, and after the event

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

Next up is Vasaloppet on Sunday, March 3. The 90-kilometer long-distance skiing race in classic technique marks the eleventh Ski Classics stage of Season XV.

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