FIS once again proposed to scrap the 50km in Holmenkollen next year, calling the traditional race ‘a bad idea.’ The proposal was voted down.

The Race Director of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) once again suggested scrapping the 50km in Holmenkollen for the upcoming winter. However, that will not be the case. 

The FIS Cross-Country Committee saved the iconic ski race during the spring meeting in Slovenia on Thursday morning. 

The alternative that was voted on consisted of a weekend featuring a sprint and a 20-kilometer race. The proposed dates for the 50km are March 13 to 14, the weekend following the World Championships in Falun.

Hedegart: The greatest victory

The 50km is one of the most iconic competitions in cross-country skiing and a true celebration for fans. According to this year’s winner, Einar Hedegart, winning in Holmenkollen is bigger than an Olympic gold medal. He now holds both titles. 

“The Olympics can take a back seat. This was much bigger. What a feeling,” Hedegart told TV 2, adding:

“For me, this means even more. It was absolutely insane to cross the finish line first.”

Also Read: Norway dominates the men’s 50km Mass Start in Holmenkollen

Relieved Norwegian delegation

Ulf Morten Aune and Espen Bjervig, members of the World Cup Committee and the Cross-Country Committee in FIS, respectively, were pleased after the decision was made. Aune spoke on behalf of Norway during Thursday’s spring meeting.

“The 50km in Holmenkollen means a lot for both Norwegian and international skiing. It is important for us to preserve such traditions and celebrations. Norwegians and all the foreigners also find it incredibly special to race in Holmenkollen because of the festive atmosphere in the woods, and the distance is something unique,” Aune and Bjervig told NTB.

Support from athletes

Several stars agree.

“I absolutely think we should have the 50km in Holmenkollen. If there’s a tradition we should protect, it’s this one. There are no competitions as exciting as this,” said Frida Karlsson, who won the race this year. 

The 26-year-old Swede also mentioned that ideally, the 50km in Holmenkollen would be moved to another weekend to avoid it being so close to the World Championships 50km in Falun. However, Karlsson is clear:

“If it has to be that weekend, then we just have to bite the bullet and race the 50km two weekends in a row.”

Read More: Swedish star storms to 50km Mass Start victory in Holmenkollen

The story continues below.

Concerns about participation 

The reason the 50km in Holmenkollen was once again proposed to be scrapped is that it takes place after the World Championships in Falun. The championship traditionally concludes with a 50km for both men and women. 

Two consecutive 50 km runs have proven to be a disaster for participation. 

This was evident in 2023, when the 50km in Holmenkollen took place a week after the World Championships in Planica. Only 32 competitors lined up for the women’s race, despite it being the first time in history that women raced the 50km in the World Cup. 

On the men’s side, there were 36 participants in 2023. 

Many found it embarrassing. 

As a result, FIS removed the event from the World Cup last year, when the Holmenkollen 50km would have taken place a week after the World Championship 50km in Trondheim. Instead, a 10-kilometer race with individual start was introduced. However, a similar solution will not be implemented in 2027. The weekend of March 13 to 14 will feature the 50km in Holmenkollen. 

Are you interested in traditional cross-country skiing? Click HERE and read more about it.

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

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

REGISTER HERE AS A MEMBER