The Finnish FIS season premiere in Muonio is known for drawing a large and solid international field. For many elite cross-country skiers, these races are an essential performance indicator for the World Cup in Ruka and a good thermometer for the winter.

The program in Muonio includes a classic sprint race on Friday, November 10, a 10km classic race with individual start on Saturday, November 11, and a 10km freestyle race with individual start on Sunday, November 12. 

Around 300 athletes from 19 different countries will take part over the weekend.

Finland’s national ski team will be represented by a wide range of skiers, led by the stars Iivo Niskanen, Krista Pärmäkoski, and Kerttu Niskanen. Other interesting names include Risto-Matti Hakola, who will open the season, and young Niko Anttola. In addition, a large national contingent will compete for the team spots at the Ruka World Cup.

Norway will again have a powerful team at the event. The team is full of world stars and championship winners. For example, Pål Golberg, and Sjur Røthe will participate. The Norwegian women’s field is not quite as extensive, but sprinting star Anna Svendsen is among those participating.

In addition, Petter Northug will start the races. The 37-year-old is all in for Ski Classics and long-distance skiing, but during summer, the Norwegian Ski Legend has impressed at distances from sprint to long-distance skiing and is full of confidence ahead of the season. 

The Italian national team will compete in Finland, led by World Champion Federico Pellegrino and World Championship medalist Francesco De Fabiani.

The German national team is training in Olos and will participate in the races. The German women took silver in the relay in Planica last year, and the men bronze, so the team is large and highly qualified. Additionally, national team skiers from Austria, Canada, and the USA, and elite skiers from various ski clubs and private teams are also participating. 

Preliminary start lists can be found HERE for Women and Here for Men. 

Program for the FIS Race in Muonio 

Friday, November 10

• 9:00 CET: 1.4km Sprint Quali C, Men
• 9:00 CET: 1.4km Sprint Quali C, Women
• 11:00 CET: 1.4km Sprint Final C, Men
• 11:00 CET: 1.4km Sprint Final C, Women 

Saturday, November 11

• 9:00 CET: 10km Interval C, Men
• 9:00 CET: 10km Interval C, Women

Sunday, November 12

• 9:00 CET: 10km Interval F, Men
• 9:00 CET: 10km Interval F, Women

Read more about last season’s results:

• Svendsen and Northug sprint winners in Muonio
• Hegstad Krüger and Hennig 10km classic winners in Muonio
• Double win for Germany in Muonio