The fervor ignited by the Bad Gastein Pro Team Tempo is set to crescendo as Ski Classics Season XV unfolds with the Bad Gastein Criterium on Sunday, December 10. Spanning a challenging 36km against the majestic backdrop of the Tauern Alps, promises an exhilarating spectacle.

Diverging from the Pro Team Tempo, the Bad Gastein Criterium introduces a mass start, injecting intensity and strategy into the competition. Pro Team athletes will navigate a demanding course with multiple laps.

Women Favorites for Bad Gastein Criterium

In the women’s category, one of the spotlights is on Kati Roivas, the recent addition to Team Eksjöhus. Roivas, aiming for a podium finish, expresses her excitement, stating: “It is thrilling to be part of such a strong girls’ team. We will try to push each other to achieve the best results.” The camaraderie and competitive spirit within Team Eksjöhus serve as catalysts for Roivas’ aspirations.

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Karolina Hedenström, Lager 157 Ski Team, a promising Swedish skier, leverages her achievements to position herself as a formidable force. With a strategic focus on consistency, Hedenström shares her aspirations, stating, “I hope to reach the podium again, but my main goal is to maintain a higher level overall.” Familiarity with the Bad Gastein terrain becomes an advantage for Hedenström, who aims for a strong start.

As the reigning Champion, Ida Dahl, Team Engcon, remains the favorite for victory despite acknowledging heightened competition. Dahl’s steadfast approach and unchanged training concept showcase her confidence, although uncertainties linger due to recent sickness affecting her training continuity.

Anikken Gjerde Alnæs, Team Ragde Charge, transitioning from sprints to longer distances, sets ambitious goals. Her recent success in the sprint competition fuels her aspirations, as she declares, “I will definitely go for top 5, but I will try to be up there every weekend.” Uncertainty about her form adds an element of suspense as Alnæs prepares for the challenges ahead.

Emilie Fleten, Team Ramudden, the reigning champion of Vasaloppet, stands as one of the strongest contenders. After overcoming illness, Fleten expresses confidence in her peak shape. Her strategic approach acknowledges the competitive landscape, emphasizing adaptability based on her peers’ performance.

Emilie Fleten’s move to Östersund, Sweden, underscores her commitment to optimal preparations, solidifying her status as a top-tier athlete ready to tackle the Bad Gastein Criterium.

Male Contenders for Bad Gastein Criterium

In the men’s field, attention converges on seasoned athletes poised to leave an indelible mark at the Bad Gastein Criterium. Last year’s overall champion, Emil Persson, Lager 157 Ski Team, undeterred by a setback due to Covid, remains resolute in his quest to defend his title.

Andreas Nygaard, Team Ragde Charge, enters the competition with a blend of uncertainty and determination, having fine-tuned his skills in Muonio and Oslo. Nygaard acknowledges the prowess of his teammates while emphasizing the competitive landscape, stating, “Emil Persson is the man to beat, but Johan and Kasper in our team are really strong. Also, Amund Riege will be really dangerous.”

Johan Hoel, Team Ragde Charge, overcoming back problems from the previous year, exudes confidence as he gears up for the challenge. Humble in acknowledging the depth of talent within his team, Hoel affirms, “I don’t think I am the favorite in my team.” His readiness to showcase his true potential on the snow is underscored by his thorough training in Sjusjøen.

Max Novak, Team Aker Dæhlie, a consistent force in long-distance skiing, sets his sights on a season victory. With determined focus, Novak declares, “That will be my mission for this year. I want to be at my best from December to April, strategically saving energy to maximize my performance.” Novak’s candid self-assessment signals his commitment to refining his approach for a victorious season.

Amund Riege, Team Ramudden, hailed as the skier to watch, balances humility and ambition. Confident in his training, Riege expresses, “I’ve done some good training in the last months, but I don’t focus too much on what everybody says. I just want to have good races.” This year, his goal is clear as he asserts, “This year, I want to fight for a win.”

The emergence of Thomas Jolly from France adds an international flavor, poised to disrupt the status quo in long-distance skiing. Jolly, Team Næringsbanken Stora Enson, victorious at Alliansloppet, brings undeniable potential to the Bad Gastein Criterium.

Bad Gastein Criterium – Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XV – Event 2

START LIST – WOMEN

START LIST – MEN

Bad Gastein Criterium – Facts

• Location: Sportgastein, Austria
• Date: Sunday, December 10, 2023
• Start Time: 9:10 CET (Women) / 11:15 CET (Men)
• Distance: 36km Classic
• Number of SC Sprints: 2
• Sprint 1: 6.6km
• Sprint 2: 13.6km
• Number of SC Climbs: 2
• Climb 1: 21km
• Climb 2: 28.6km
• SC Play: Bad Gastein Criterium

Bad Gastein Criterium program, start lists, live timing and live streaming on SC Play can be found here.

Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XV (2023/2024)

• Event 1: December 9, 2023 – Bad Gastein PTT, Austria, 13km
• Event 2: December 10, 2023 – Bad Gastein Criterium, Austria, 36km
• 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, 56km
• 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, 60km
• Event 10: February 18, 2024 – Grönklitt ITT, Sweden, 13km
• 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

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