On Saturday, February 15, the weekend starts with the Grönklitt Criterium 61. The eighth event in Season XVI is a 61-kilometer long-distance race offering stunning scenery. The Grönklitt Criterium 61 is a mass-start race featuring a challenging course.

Pro Tour Season XVI goes to Sweden in mid-February

Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XVI head to Scandinavia in mid-February, as the ski destination Orsa Grönklitt will host the first events in Sweden. Featuring a thrilling back-to-back weekend of racing, the Grönklitt Criterium 61 is set to showcase the talent of the Pro Teams and their athletes. After seven stages, the Ski Classics Pro Tour starts its final part of the season in the same venue where the Grönklitt Classic was held last season.

On Saturday, February 15, the weekend starts with the Grönklitt Criterium 61. The eighth event in Season XVI is a 61-kilometer long-distance race offering stunning scenery. The Grönklitt Criterium 61 is a mass-start race featuring a challenging course.

Great Conditions

With good snow conditions and similar tracks to Vasaloppet, it’s a great opportunity to train for the Grand Classics.

Thomas Bredberg said in the Live Sessions earlier this week that there are really good conditions this year. There is 85-100cm of snow, -10ºC at night, and 3ºC during the day. On the Ski Classics Race, there will be a clear sky, and the track is perfect. “It cannot be better,” said Thomas.

Orsa is a small city, a very popular place for cross-country skiing in Sweden.

Top Contenders – Men

Kasper Stadaas, Team Ragde Charge: As the defending champion of this race, Stadaas focuses on long-distance events and, along with his Team Ragde members, has been a consistent presence on the podium. He is motivated to continue his streak of top performances with the most crucial races approaching.

Mathias Aas Rolid, Team Ragde Charge: Rolid has demonstrated strong form in recent competitions like Marcialonga. His consistent performances make him a formidable contender in the upcoming race.

Torleif Syrstad, Team Engcon: Syrstad has showcased his endurance and skill in long-distance skiing, with significant achievements such as winning Vasaloppet. His experience and strength position him as a strong competitor in the Grönklitt Criterium 61.

Ole Jørgen Bruvoll, Team Engcon: Bruvoll has consistently performed in the Ski Classics circuit, recently securing victory at the Jizerská50. His determination and recent successes indicate he will be a key athlete to watch in the upcoming race.

Top Contenders – Women

Anikken Gjerde Alnaes, Team Engcon: Member of Team Egcon, this is, so far, her best ski season. After claiming victories at the 3 Zinnen Ski Marathon and the Bad Gastein ITT, she secured third place in Marcialonga and Engadin La Diagonela and recently won the Grand Classics Jizerská50. With her strong form, we’re expecting another podium finish for her this weekend.

Hanna Lodin, Team Engcon: Her impressive performances show her rapid development as a long-distance skier. She was also part of the front group in Marcialonga, showing resilience and tactical awareness. Grönklitt could be another opportunity to solidify her place among the elite.

Jenny Larsson, Lager 157 Ski Team: Jenny is one of Sweden’s strongest long-distance skiers. A consistent top finisher, she has shown incredible form in past races, often pushing the pace and battling for the podium. Racing on home soil in Sweden will be an added motivation for her.

Emilie Fleten, Team Ramudden: A dominant force in long-distance skiing, Emilie Fleten recently claimed victory at Marcialonga, solidifying her status as one of the best in the field. She has been on the podium multiple times this season, displaying impressive stamina and race intelligence. With her ability to handle long distances and tactical sprints, she is expected to be a serious contender for another win at Grönklitt.

The Unpredictable Nature of Long-Distance Skiing

As always, long-distance ski marathons carry an element of unpredictability. While recent performances in races like Jizerská50, Marcialonga, and Engadin La Diagonela give insights into form and tactics, Grönklitt Criterium 61 could bring its surprises. With a mix of experienced champions and rising talents, this race promises to be an intense battle of endurance, strategy, and resilience. As the athletes prepare for the challenge, one thing is certain: Grönklitt Criterium 61 will be a thrilling spectacle for fans and a true test for the skiers on the demanding Swedish course.

Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XVI (2024/2025)

• Event 0: Friday, December 13, 2024 –Ski Classics Pro Team Presentation XVI – Bad Gastein, Austria
• Event 1: Saturday, December 14, 2024 – Bad Gastein ITT – Sportgastein, Austria, 7km
• Event 2: Sunday, December 15, 2024 – Bad Gastein Criterium – Sportgastein, Austria, 36km
• Event 3: Saturday, January 11, 2025 – 3 Zinnen Ski Marathon – Sexten, Italy, 60km
• Event 4: Sunday, January 12, 2025 – La Venosta ITT Kapron-Melago – Val Venosta, Italy, 11km
• Event 5: Saturday, January 18, 2025 – Engadin La Diagonela – Pontresina-Zuoz, Switzerland, 43km
• Event 6: Sunday, January 26, 2025 – Marcialonga – Trentino, Italy, 70km
• Event 7: Sunday, February 9, 2025 – Jizerská50 – Bedřichov, Czech Republic, 50km
• Event 8: Saturday, February 15, 2025 – Grönklitt Criterium 61 – Orsa Grönklitt, Sweden, 61km
• Event 9: Sunday, February 16, 2025 – Grönklitt ITT – Orsa Grönklitt, Sweden, 13km
• Event 10: Sunday, March 2, 2025 – Vasaloppet – Sälen-Mora, Sweden, 90km
• Event 11: Saturday, March 15, 2025 – Birkebeinerrennet – Rena-Lillehammer, Norway, 54km
• Event 12: Saturday, March 22, 2025 – Marcialonga Bodø – Bodø, Norway, 50km
• Event 13: Saturday, March 29, 2025 – Reistadløpet – Setermoen-Bardufoss, Norway, 46km
• Event 14: Sunday, March 30, 2025 – Grand Finale Summit 2 Senja – Bardufoss-Finnsnes, Norway, 60km

More information about the Ski Classics Pro Tour can be found at skiclassics.com