After a strong weekend in Marcialonga Bodø, Team Edux and Kati Roivas head into the decisive finale of the Ski Classics Pro Tour with confidence and determination.

With demanding races at Reistadløpet and Grand Finale Summit 2 Senja ahead, the Finnish long distance skiers look to capitalize on strong form, fight through fatigue, and close out the season on a high note.

The Ski Classics Pro Tour season is approaching its highly anticipated conclusion, with the final weekend featuring the demanding Reistadløpet and the spectacular Grand Finale Summit 2 Senja. After a strong showing at last Saturday’s Marcialonga Bodø, Team Edux and Team Eksjöhus’ Kati Roivas head into the finale with confidence, even as the long winter has begun to take its toll physically. Finnish long-distance skiers delivered impressive performances in Bodø, and among them, they stood out with a combination of consistency and grit.

Roivas shows fighting spirit in Bodø

One of the central figures of the weekend, Kati Roivas, showed her fighting spirit in a race that tested both body and mind.

“It was a really good race, even though I felt tired — especially on the first lap — and I was really on the limit just trying to stay with the front group. I dropped off several times but always managed to fight my way back into the pack. I’m very satisfied that I was able to battle that well, but of course, I’m still left wanting more.”

Eyes on the Finale Weekend

Looking ahead to the final weekend, Roivas knows the challenge will only increase, especially with demanding courses ahead.

“This coming weekend will surely be tough, but I still have the motivation to race. I haven’t yet decided whether I’ll ski with grip wax or double poling. Sunday also has quite a lot of climbing, even though the course was changed.”

Her tactical focus remains clear as she aims to stay competitive for as long as possible.

“My goal again is to hang with the lead group as long as I can, and then we’ll see where that takes me.”

At the same time, Roivas reflected honestly on her season and what lies ahead beyond the final races.

“I’m already looking forward to spring and being able to start a full training season. This year the race season came a bit too early for me, and it felt like I ran out of time. I know I didn’t reach my top level this season.”

Team strength and season fatigue

The broader picture within Team Edux reflects a similar mix of determination and fatigue. Team captain Olli Tyrväinen highlighted how the entire squad contributed in Bodø.

“Last weekend we once again saw strong performances from the whole team.”

He pointed out individual successes across the lineup.

“Isac Holmström, who skied well in Birkebeinerrennet, continued his good form. Lauri Mannila’s return after illness brought more depth, and Ella Noora Haapalehto has been consistently strong throughout the season.”

At the same time, the physical strain of a long winter is evident.

“The long season is starting to be felt physically by everyone, and many are certainly carrying some fatigue, but we will push out the last effort.”

Despite that, Team Edux is ready for the final weekend, and their focus remains on finishing strong.

“The goal is to deliver solid performances in both races of the final weekend.”

Mannila back on track

For Lauri Mannila, last weekend marked an important return after illness and a step toward better form.

“It was a fairly solid race last weekend. My body had more or less recovered from illness, but it was noticeable that I hadn’t been able to do the training I would have wanted.”

Even so, the race provided positive signals.

“The result was still decent, and my body reacted quite well to racing.”

With proper preparation now behind him, Mannila is optimistic heading into the decisive races.

“I’ve been able to prepare well for the final weekend, and I believe I’m ready to ski hard on both days.”

He expects the courses to create clear differences between athletes.

“There will definitely be time gaps in both races, and the long climbs will break up the field. The goal is to stay as high as possible in the lead group and get into top groups for the downhill sections.”

Holmström’s upward curve

Meanwhile, Isac Holmström represents one of the most encouraging stories within Team Edux this season. After an injury-affected winter with limited on-snow training, his performance in Bodø was one of the best of his career.

“Bodø went quite well, and my trend continues — each race is going a bit better, and week by week my fitness is improving.”

His expectations remain grounded, given the challenges of his preparation.

“I can’t demand too much from my body or fitness after such an unusual season with so little training on snow.”

Still, his mindset is clear heading into the finale.

“I’ll give everything and hope it will take me far.”

Final push in Northern Norway

As the Ski Classics Pro Tour reaches its climax, both Reistadløpet and Grand Finale Summit 2 Senja are expected to deliver the kind of challenging conditions that define long-distance skiing at its highest level. For the Finns, the objective is not only to endure but to compete—staying with the right groups, making tactical decisions in crucial moments, and extracting every remaining ounce of energy from a demanding season. With strong performances in Bodø behind them and motivation still high, the Finnish Ski Classics Pro Team athletes now turn their full attention to the final chapter, ready to fight until the very end.

Also Read: All you need to know ahead of Reistadløpet and Grand Finale Summit 2 Senja Season XVII

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, 53km
• Event 11: March 21, 2026 – Marcialonga Bodø – Sulitjelma, Norway, 46km
• Event 12: March 28, 2026 – Reistadløpet – Setermoen-Bardufoss, Norway, 35km
• Event 13: March 29, 2026 – Grand Finale Summit 2 Senja – Bardufoss, Norway, 60km

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

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