Jeremy Royer, Team Eksjöhus, heads into Vasaloppet 2026 as one of the most in-form athletes of Season XVII. The French Pro Team athlete secured his first Ski Classics Pro Tour podium earlier this winter and currently sits fifth overall in the Champion competition.

“I trained all year to try to have my first podium this year,” Royer said during the Live Sessions interview ahead of Vasaloppet earlier this week. “I got it in La Diagonela, a race I really like, so I’m super happy.”

Also Read: Strong performances and sprint finishes define Engadin La Diagonela

With multiple top 10 results this season and consistent performances across different events, Royer has established himself as a serious contender in the Pro Tour.

Ahead of Sunday’s 90-kilometer challenge, Royer believes his shape is peaking again.

“I think now my shape is really good this weekend, so I’m really ready to compete in Vasaloppet,” he said to ProXCskiing.com.

Also Read: All you need to know ahead of Vasaloppet Season XVII

Although he admits Vasaloppet may not be the most natural course for him, he emphasizes that anything can happen in the Pro Tour’s longest and most prestigious event.

“A lot of things can happen in this race,” Royer explained. “I really hope I can have the best result I can have.”

Currently ranked fifth overall, Royer has a strong opportunity to collect valuable Champion points in the battle for the overall standings. Asked about the possibility of another podium, and perhaps a historic French performance, Royer remained cautious.

“It’s hard to say yes, but I hope. I trained for that, so I really believe in that,” he said.

Vasaloppet will mark another key chapter in Royer’s breakthrough season, and potentially another milestone in French long-distance skiing.

Read More – Fueling for Vasaloppet: Nutrition strategy for before, during and after the event

Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XVII (2025/2026)

Season XVII of the Ski Classics Pro Tour consists of 13 events across 9 event weekends in 6 countries. 

• Event 1: December 13, 2025 – Bad Gastein Pro Team Tempo – Sportgastein, Austria, 7km
• Event 2: December 14, 2025 – Bad Gastein Criterium – Sportgastein, Austria, 36km
• Event 3: January 17, 2026 – Engadin La Diagonela – Pontresina-Zuoz, Switzerland, 47km
• Event 4: January 25, 2026 – Marcialonga – Moena-Cavalese, Italy, 70km
• Event 5: January 30, 2026 – Bedřichov Sprint – Bedřichov, Czech Republic, 1.5km
• Event 6: February 1, 2026 – Jizerská50 – Bedřichov, Czech Republic, 50km
• Event 7: March 1, 2026 – Vasaloppet – Sälen-Mora, Sweden, 90km
• Event 8: March 7, 2026 – Orsa Grönklitt 50k ITT Women – Grönklitt, Sweden, 50km
• Event 9: March 8, 2026 – Orsa Grönklitt 50k ITT Men – Grönklitt, Sweden, 50km
• Event 10: March 14, 2026 – Birkebeinerrennet – Rena-Lillehammer, Norway, 54km
• Event 11: March 21, 2026 – Marcialonga Bodø – Bodø, Norway, 50km
• Event 12: March 28, 2026 – Reistadløpet – Setermoen-Bardufoss, Norway, 35km
• Event 13: March 29, 2026 – Grand Finale Summit 2 Senja – Bardufoss-Finnsnes, Norway, 60km

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