Runar Skaug Mathisen’s unexpected breakaway and the pivotal support from the Lager 157 Ski Team underscored a race filled with tension, teamwork, and triumph. As Runar sets his sights on future Ski Classics challenges, this article explores the critical moments that defined his win and his aspirations for continued success in the competitive Season XV.

In a stunning display of endurance and strategy, Runar Skaug Mathisen, Lager 157 Ski Team, clinched victory at the Marcialonga 2024, marking a significant milestone in his skiing career. Crossing the finish line, Mathisen described his emotions as a mix of “relief that the pain was over, and an enormous happiness that I had managed to win Marcialonga.” 

The final 5km of the race were fraught with “tension and pain, making this victory all the more rewarding,” he said to Proxcskiing.com.

Skaug Mathisen’s decisive breakaway, approximately 22km before the finish, was a game-changer. Despite not having a clear plan, his instincts prompted him to make a move at a crucial moment. 

“It was more of a hunch… I thought there would be many breakaway attempts down the valley, so I could be the first out,” Skaug Mathisen explained. 

This bold strategy paid off when he gained a significant lead in Molina, setting him on a path to victory.

Also Read: Runar Skaug Mathisen and Emilie Fleten winner of Marcialonga 2024 

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Teamwork helped Skaug Mathisen’s victory

The key to Runar’s success lay not only in his physical strength but also in the strategic play of his Pro Team, Lager 157 Ski Team. With two teammates, Alvar Myhlback and Emil Persson, deliberately not contributing to the pace, they forced their rivals to expend energy, aiding Runar Skaug Mathisen’s lead. 

“My team really helped me take this win!” he gratefully acknowledged.

Team dynamics played a pivotal role in his Marcialonga victory, with a notable incident where teammate Marcus Johannsson gave Runar his pole after a breakage. This act of solidarity was crucial for Skaug Mathisen to stay in contention. The entire team, including Nils and Oskar, contributed to the high pace and laid the groundwork for the breakaway. 

“Teamwork is extremely important in a race like Marcialonga,” Runar emphasized, highlighting the collective effort that led to his success.

Keeping the Momentum

Looking forward, Mathisen is determined to maintain his momentum, focusing on the upcoming races in the Ski Classics season, including the prestigious Jizerská50 and Vasaloppet. 

“Not overthinking it and keep on doing the job that has gotten me to where I am,” says Runar about his approach to the rest of the season. After a brief rest in Norway, he is ready to train hard and continue his pursuit of Ski Classics podiums.

As for his goals for the remainder of the Ski Classics season, Runar Skaug Mathisen has set his sights on the Birkebeinerrennet and aims to compete for points in the Yellow bib. “Managing a win here would be very cool,” he remarked. With Vasaloppet also on the horizon, he is eager to contribute to his team’s success, hoping to help his team secure a victory in Mora.

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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, 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