Team BSV IBEX plunged into action last weekend with two Ski Classics Pro Tour events in Grönklitt, Sweden. The Grönklitt Classic, a 60-kilometer competition held on Saturday, witnessed a significant milestone for the Swiss Pro Team. 

Markus Walser, the Team BSV IBEX Pro Team Director, expressed his satisfaction: “This competition marked a successful day for our team, as we were able to celebrate a result in the top 10 for the first time.”

During the Grönklitt Classic, Masako Ishida demonstrated exceptional performance, maintaining her position within a group contending for third place throughout the race. Notably, she showcased her climbing prowess during the Climb competition after 26 kilometers, securing valuable points and crossing the checkpoint in fourth place. Despite narrowly missing a top 5 position, Walser praised her achievement, stating in a press release, “We are incredibly pleased with her 9th place finish.”

Katerina Paul also delivered one of her strongest races, clinching a commendable 24th place. Meanwhile, in the men’s category, Gian Flurin secured points with his 59th-place finish, while Marino narrowly missed points, finishing in 61st position. Walser commented on Gianluca’s performance, acknowledging his determination despite struggling with illness as he crossed the finish line in 86th place. Unfortunately, Nico and Lauro were forced to withdraw from the competition due to back problems.

Also Read: Fleten and Stadaas winners at Grönklitt Classic Season XV

On Sunday, the focus shifted to the Grönklitt ITT – Individual Time Trial, covering a distance of 13 kilometers. 

Walser expressed anticipation for the event following Saturday’s success but acknowledged challenges faced during Masako’s delayed start, resulting in a 34th-place finish. 

“After Saturday, we were really looking forward to this competition and had high hopes. Masako missed the start by around 5 minutes due to a mishap. With this situation, a good result was out of reach,” says Walser. 

Katerina Paul continued her consistent performance, securing important points with a 27th-place finish, while Gian Flurin maintained his strong form, finishing in 55th place. However, Lauro, Gianluca, and Nico fell short of the top 60, securing 74th, 75th, and 84th, respectively. Marino was unable to compete in the event due to illness.

“Another positive aspect is that all athletes competed in both competitions with good equipment,” concludes Markus Walser.

Also Read: Fleten and Stadaas take top honors at Grönklitt ITT

With the Grönklitt weekend behind, Team BSV Ibex now focuses on recovering before gearing up for the upcoming Vasaloppet in Sweden in just over a week.

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.

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

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

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