On Saturday, Petter Northug, Team Janteloppet, will start in the 62-kilometer-long 3 Zinnen Ski Marathon, the fifth Pro Tour event of Ski Classics Season XV. The 38-year-old is in search of answers following a rough start to the season.

As the Ski Classics season kicks off again after the Christmas and New Year’s break with the prestigious 3 Zinnen Ski Marathon in Northern Italy on January 13, a contemplative Petter Northug will be at the starting line.

In his season debut at La Venosta before Christmas, the former traditional cross-country skiing king was thoroughly beaten: he finished in 54th place and crossed the finish line nearly 10 minutes behind the winner. Since then, Northug has trained hard and systematically, but he admits that he is seeking more answers than revenge in this weekend’s long-distance race.

Also Read: Petter Northug with a new World Record: “We brought it home”

You were behind in your season debut at La Venosta Criterium just before Christmas. Is this your first opportunity for revenge?

“Revenge is probably not the right word,” says Northug to Langrenn.com, emphasizing that he primarily used La Venosta before Christmas as an opportunity to participate in a ski race after a long period of injury.

A persistent injury has plagued the 38-year-old since his last training camp in October, causing him to miss the FIS races in Muonio and Beitostølen in November, as well as the first Ski Classics race weekend in December.

But now, Northug is optimistic ahead of this weekend’s race.

“I’m definitely looking to have some good races in January. In terms of training, I had several good training sessions over the Christmas period after a successful altitude camp in St. Moritz, and the injury is slowly improving.”

Read More: The training that brought Northug back to the top

How is your form now, and how do you compare to your goals after your performance in December?

“My form is still terrible, so I realize that I’ll need to use the first part of the season to train and get back into shape,” says Northug, adding that long-distance skiing is a team sport and he has bigger ambitions for the Pro Team.

“But Joar (Thele) is in good shape, so I hope I can contribute to him having more successful races in January.”

On the starting line at the 3 Zinnen Ski Marathon are all the bib holders, including the two Norwegian overall leaders, Emilie Fleten from Team Ramudden and Kasper Stadaas from Team Ragde Charge.

Read More: Magni Smedås is back to competitive skiing

3 Zinnen Ski Marathon – Ski Classics Pro Tour Event 5

• Date: January 13, 2024
• Distance: 62km Classic Technique
• Place: Sexten, Italy
• Start Time: Men 9:00 CET/ Women 9:05 CET
• Number of SC Sprints: 1
  • Sprint Nordic Arena: 22km 
• Number of SC Climbs: 1
  • Climb Cimabanche: 36km
• Website: 3 Zinnen Ski Marathon
• SC Play: 3 Zinnen Ski Marathon

More information about the event can be found HERE and HERE

3 Zinnen Ski Marathon – Video Highlights

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.

Next up is the 3 Zinnen Ski Marathon in Italy on January 13, 2024. The event marks the fifth Ski Classics Pro Tour 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, 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, 56km
• 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