The Ski Classics Season XVI started at Bad Gastein in the Austrian Alps this weekend. On Sunday, December 15, we will have the Bad Gastein Criterium 36km race. With challenging terrain and elite competitors, this thrilling season opener promises intense action and unforgettable alpine views.

The Road to Victory in Bad Gastein Criterium

The Ski Classics Season XVI kicked off this weekend in the breathtaking Austrian Alps, and on Sunday, December 15, it’s time for the highly anticipated Bad Gastein Criterium. 

Spanning 36km in the heart of the Gastein Valley, this classic-style long-distance skiing race promises fierce competition and stunning alpine scenery. Known for its challenging terrain and unpredictable weather and with elite competitors across the male and female categories, the Bad Gastein Criterium promises to be a thrilling race that could set the tone for the rest of the season. But what does it take to win this challenging season premiere weekend event?

If you want to follow Bad Gastein Criterium live, watch it here on SC Play.

Front-Runners in the Male Category for Bad Gastein Criterium

Thomas Ødegaarden, Team Eksjöhus: With a wealth of experience in long-distance events, Ødegaarden combines technical expertise with a well-paced strategy. His ability to maintain a powerful rhythm across varied terrain and use his endurance to outlast opponents makes him a serious contender for the win. With a sharp tactical mind, Ødegaarden knows how to navigate the difficult sections of Bad Gastein and strike at the perfect moment. 

Kasper Stadaas, Team Ragde Charge: Known for his explosive power and strong finishing sprints, Stadaas thrives in fast-paced races. He won this race last year, so we expect to see him on the podium again this year. In the press conference, he stated: “I am focused on long-distance races,” so we can’t wait to see his performance this weekend.

Andreas Nygaard, Team Ragde Charge: A veteran with multiple Ski Classics Pro Tour victories, Nygaard’s experience and endurance are unmatched. He humbly says: “I hope I can still win races.” His ability to handle demanding courses like Bad Gastein’s makes him a top favorite. He finishes by saying: “The winter will be good!” and so we hope.

Max Novak: A serious talent in the Ski Classics Pro Tour, Novak’s speed and resilience give him the edge over many competitors. His hunger for success and strong preseason form suggest a potential breakthrough. Last year, Novak finished Bad Gastein in the 3rd position, and this summer, he showed superior performances in Klarälvsloppet and Båstad-Mölle, so we expect him to perform well.

Front-Runners in the Female Category for Bad Gastein Criterium

In the female category, the spotlight is on Emilie Fleten, Team Ramudden. She was number 1 last season, so we expect her to keep up the good work and stay on the podium. Emilie is willing to continue at the top: “I’ve been doing quite the same but always want to improve. The training is a bit different, and I want to focus on being healthy…” 

Emilie is a consistent podium finisher and won the Bad Gastein Criterium last year. Fleten also combines technical prowess with tactical sharpness. Her experience in long-distance classics positions her as a front-runner.

Kati Roivas, Team Eksjöhus: A star who finished 2nd overall last season, Roivas is well-suited to the challenges presented by the Bad Gastein Criterium. Her performance during the summer at Alliansloppet showed that her shape is getting better season after season. Now, we expect her to perform well again.

Karolina Hedenström, Lager 157 Ski Team: A solid competitor with a growing reputation, Hedenström’s ability to handle a variety of terrains makes her a serious challenger for a top position. Last year, Karolina finished 3rd in Bad Gastein, showing she can fight for victory.

Read More: All you need to know ahead of the Bad Gastein weekend

What It Takes to Win in Bad Gastein Criterium

Competitors must blend explosive power with enduring stamina to claim victory in the Bad Gastein Criterium. 

Whether it’s Thomas Ødegaarden’s calculated approach, Emilie Fleten’s technical finesse, or Kati Roivas’s climbing strength, each athlete must master the art of pacing, strategy, and energy management.

With challenging terrain and fierce rivals, the Bad Gastein Criterium will demand the perfect balance of speed, strength, and endurance. 

With such a strong field of contenders, the Bad Gastein Criterium promises an electrifying Ski Classics Pro Tour premiere weekend.

Who will seize the early lead in this iconic alpine challenge? Stay tuned for what is sure to be a spectacular race!

Also Read: Gjerde Alnæs and Hoel take top honors at Bad Gastein ITT Season XVI

Ski Classics App – Download here for Apple iOS or Android

Season XVI of Ski Classics Pro Tour consists of 14 events on 10 event weekends in 6 different countries. 

Next up is the Bad Gastein Criterium on Sunday, December 15. The 36-kilometer long-distance skiing race in classic technique marks the second Ski Classics Pro Tour stage of Season XVI.

Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XVI (2024/2025)

• Event 0: Friday, December 13, 2024 –Ski Classics Pro Team Presentation XVI – Bad Gastein, Austria
• Event 1: Saturday, December 14, 2024 – Bad Gastein ITT – Sportgastein, Austria, 7km
• Event 2: Sunday, December 15, 2024 – Bad Gastein Criterium – Sportgastein, Austria, 36km
• Event 3: Saturday, January 11, 2025 – 3 Zinnen Ski Marathon – Sexten, Italy, 60km
• Event 4: Sunday, January 12, 2025 – La Venosta ITT Kapron-Melago – Val Venosta, Italy, 12km
• Event 5: Saturday, January 18, 2025 – Engadin La Diagonela – Pontresina-Zuoz, Switzerland, 55km
• Event 6: Sunday, January 26, 2025 – Marcialonga – Trentino, Italy, 70km
• Event 7: Sunday, February 9, 2025 – Jizerská50 – Bedřichov, Czech Republic, 50km
• Event 8: Saturday, February 15, 2025 – Grönklitt Criterium 61 – Orsa Grönklitt, Sweden, 61km
• Event 9: Sunday, February 16, 2025 – Grönklitt ITT – Orsa Grönklitt, Sweden, 12km
• Event 10: Sunday, March 2, 2025 – Vasaloppet – Sälen-Mora, Sweden, 90km
• Event 11: Saturday, March 15, 2025 – Birkebeinerrennet – Rena-Lillehammer, Norway, 54km
• Event 12: Saturday, March 22, 2025 – Marcialonga Bodø – Bodø, Norway, 50km
• Event 13: Saturday, March 29, 2025 – Reistadløpet – Setermoen-Bardufoss, Norway, 46km
• Event 14: Sunday, March 30, 2025 – Grand Finale Summit 2 Senja – Bardufoss-Finnsnes, Norway, 60km

More information about the Ski Classics Pro Tour can be found at skiclassics.com