After a strong start to the season – looking towards the Ski Classics premiere
Sofie Elebro has had a solid start to the season. In the Swedish season premiere in Gällivare, she secured sixth place in the 10-kilometer classic race against tough competition. She followed that up with fourth and fifth place, respectively, during the cup competitions at Idre Fjäll the previous weekend. Now, Ski Classics awaits.
“Ski Classics is my top priority, but I felt the urge to compete. After the successful race in Gällivare, I wanted to participate in Idre as well. I was part of the conversation about the World Cup, and if that opportunity had come later, it would have been great. It wasn’t something I had expected, says Sofie to Langd.se.
In a week, the premiere of this year’s Ski Classics will take place. She will be on the starting line with her Team Eksjöhus. The preseason has gone well, and she received positive feedback already during the roller skiing season with a fifth place at Alliansloppet.
Read More – Sofie Elebro: a season of achievement and determination
How has the preseason been?
“It has been very good during the summer and autumn. I am satisfied with all the training camps we’ve had, usually in conjunction with roller ski competitions. Alliansloppet in Trollhättan went very well, which was great. Additionally, I have managed to stay more or less healthy and injury-free,” says Sofie.
Together with her new coach, Marthe Kristoffersen, she has placed a strong emphasis on developing her technique.
“She is very skilled in technique and training planning, and we have worked very hard on double poling technique in particular. We have filmed a lot, and there are also many technically skilled skiers in the team from whom I have been able to learn.”
In addition to Sofie, Team Eksjöhus consists of three other women, something she finds positive during the preseason.
“Training with strong girls in the team has been developmental. You need to have a good day to keep up.”
How do you feel about the premiere in Bad Gastein?
“It feels exciting. We are going down on Friday and preparing at high altitude at Lavazé before going to Bad Gastein. It will be fun to do team time trials, and everyone seems motivated.”
What are your goals for the season?
“The main goal is to reach the podium in one of the races. Besides that, I want to improve on my eighth place in Vasaloppet. It feels like I haven’t had a real breakthrough there yet. Then I’ll try to get into the top five overall,” she concludes.
Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XV (2023/2024)
- Event 1: December 9, 2023 – Bad Gastein PTT, Austria, 15km
- Event 2: December 10, 2023 – Bad Gastein Criterium, Austria, 35km
- Event 3: December 16, 2023 – La Venosta Criterium, Italy, 35km
- Event 4: December 17, 2023 – La Venosta ITT, Italy, 10km
- Event 5: January 13, 2024 – 3 Zinnen Ski Marathon, Italy, 62km
- Event 6: January 20, 2024 – Engadin La Diagonela, Switzerland, 55km
- Event 7: January 28, 2024 – Marcialonga, Italy, 70km
- Event 8: February 11, 2024 – Jizerská50, Czech Republic, 50km
- Event 9: February 17, 2024 – Grönklitt Classic, Sweden, 50km
- Event 10: February 18, 2024 – Grönklitt ITT, Sweden, 12km
- Event 11: March 3, 2024 – Vasaloppet, Sweden, 90km
- Event 12: March 16, 2024 – Birkebeinerrennet, Norway, 54km
- Event 13: April 6, 2024 – Reistadløpet, Norway, 50km
- Event 14: April 7, 2024 – Summit 2 Senja, Norway, 60km
- Event 15: April 13, 2024 – Ski Classics Grand Finale – Janteloppet, Norway, 100km
For more updates and information about the Ski Classics Pro Tour, visit skiclassics.com