Ski Classics continue with Marcialonga on Sunday, January 29, 2023. The 70-kilometer classic race marks the seventh Ski Classics stage and Season’s XIV first Grand Classics event. 

Marcialonga has twice been awarded the “Best Event of the Year” in Ski Classics. The 2023 edition will mark Season XIV’s seventh event, the first Grand Classics race, and the 50th edition of the traditional Italian long-distance skiing race.

Marcialonga was established in 1971 when a group of Italians decided to replicate the world-famous Vasaloppet and create their version of the legend. The event has reached its legendary status as its unique atmosphere, and the course that runs through small historical villages are the event’s trademarks. 

Thousands of participants come from all over the world to enjoy the event. Many skiers consider Marcialonga the most extraordinary long-distance skiing race due to its magical atmosphere, well-run organization, and beautiful surroundings that the course can offer. 

Additionally, the event organizers have adequate snow-farming facilities, ensuring that the race can be held even if there is no natural snow on the ground. 

Route Change and ‘Mur de la Stria’

For the 2023 edition, Marcialonga changed the route, with the finish line in Cavalese in the opposite direction, a shorter and steeper ‘Cascata,’ and the addition of the new ‘Mur de la Stria.’

To celebrate the 50th edition, Marcialonga got higher and announced a change of direction. The starting line in Moena is untouchable: the skiers head towards Canazei and, at the turning point under the stunning Dolomites, back again to Moena. Here, historically, skiers used to turn to Val di Fiemme. However, they head down to Molina, where they deal with the first new-in: an extension throughout the village, then back to Cavalese to face ‘Cascata’ ascent. 

And Here Is What’s New

‘Cascata’ represents both love and hate: 2.260 meters long, 146 meters of height difference, and an average slope of 6.5%. 

For the 2023 edition, the ascent shortens to 1.678 meters, with 148 meters of difference in height and an average slope of 8.8%. At the hairpin turn where Rio Gambis flows, skiers change direction and go straight forward to deal with the ‘Mur de la Stria’ (The Witch’s Wall), 583 meters with “just” 58 meters of height difference, with an average slope of 9.9%, reaching even 20%!

Then, skiers get to Viale Mendini, where once was the finish line. Here, 140 meters to go, once descending and letting the muscles rest, and now, going straight to finish the fascinating and mythical 70km. 

MARCIALONGA – Ski Classics Pro Tour – Event 7

• Date: January 29, 2023
• Distance: 70km Classic Technique
• Place: Trentino, Italy
• Start Time: Women 8:05 CET / Men 8:00 CET
• Number of SC Sprints: 2
  • Sprint 1: Canazei
  • Sprint 2: Predazzo 
• Number of SC Climbs: 1
  • Climb: Cavalese

More information about Ski Classics you can find at skiclassics.com.

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