The Pro Tour Season XVII is almost here, and with it comes the second year of the Cub category, an initiative designed to bring young talent into the long-distance racing scene.

Introduced last winter, the Cub system gives Pro Teams the chance to integrate promising skiers aged 23 or younger, allowing them to test the Ski Classics format while gaining experience inside a professional team environment.

For the Pro Tour Season XVII, each Pro Team may register up to five Cub athletes for the season, with two allowed per event in addition to the regular squad. Teams may rotate Cubs from race to race, but each skier can represent only one Pro Team throughout the season.

For 2025/2026, the athlete list continues to grow. At the time of publication, 53 Cub athletes are registered: 25 women and 28 men, representing the future pipeline of long-distance skiing.

The Cub category allows young skiers to enter long-distance racing in a structured, supportive way, while giving Pro Teams a tool to identify future stars. One season after the launch, Cub athletes are already influencing tactics, visibility, and team development.

Below is the complete list of Cub athletes registered so far for the Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XVII.

Women’s Cub athletes – Season XVII

(ordered by SC Ranking)

Men’s Cub athletes – Season XVII

(ordered by SC Ranking)

Long-Term Development

The Cub category continues to strengthen the long-term development of Ski Classics, giving young athletes valuable experience while providing Pro Teams with new strategic tools.

With 53 Cubs already registered and likely more to come, Season XVII promises to showcase not only today’s stars but also the athletes who may define the sport’s future.

Complete rules and more information

The complete Ski Classics Pro Tour Rules & Regulations Season XVII – Athletes & Pro Teams 2025/2026 can be found HERE

Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XVII (2025/2026)

• Event 1: December 13, 2025 – Bad Gastein Pro Team Tempo – Austria – 7km
• Event 2: December 14, 2025 – Bad Gastein Criterium – Austria – 36km
• Event 3: January 17, 2026 – Engadin La Diagonela – Switzerland – 55km
• Event 4: January 25, 2026 – Marcialonga – Italy – 70km
• Event 5: January 30, 2026 – Bedřichov Sprint – Czech Republic – 1.5km
• Event 6: February 1, 2026 – Jizerská50 – Czech Republic – 50km
• Event 7: March 1, 2026 – Vasaloppet – Sweden – 90km
• Event 8: March 7, 2026 – Orsa Grönklitt 50k ITT Women – Sweden – 50km
• Event 9: March 8, 2026 – Orsa Grönklitt 50k ITT Men – Sweden – 50km
• Event 10: March 14, 2026 – Birkebeinerrennet – Norway – 54km
• Event 11: March 21, 2026 – Marcialonga Bodø – Norway – 50km
• Event 12: March 28, 2026 – Reistadløpet – Norway – 35km
• Event 13: March 29, 2026 – Grand Finale Summit 2 Senja – Norway – 60km

Read More: Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XVII 2025/2026

For more updates and detailed information about the Ski Classics Pro Tour, make sure to visit skiclassics.com.

As a member of ProXCskiing.com, you gain full access to all site content and live streaming of Ski Classics Pro Tour events, featuring English commentary.

When you become part of one of the world’s leading XC ski communities, you will receive numerous exclusive offers throughout the year. 

REGISTER HERE AS A MEMBER