Ski Classics heads to Norway for Birkebeinerrennet on Saturday, March 18. The 54-kilometer classic race marks the twelfth stage and the fourth and final Grand Classics event of Season XIV.

Birkebeinerrennet is not the longest race in the Pro Tour, but it has one of the most demanding courses. The 54-kilometer stage starts with a long uphill section with only one relatively short downhill segment. Then, the Pro Team athletes get to appreciate the beautiful mountain scenery before reaching the second climb. 

On the last part of the course, the skiers can finally enjoy the wonder of speed as they start their descent to the finish line at the Olympic stadium, located a few kilometers from Lillehammer city center. 

Like Vasaloppet, Birkebeinerrennet is one of the world’s most legendary long-distance ski races. With a long history, its legacy is based on a heroic tale of courage and adventure. The saga dates to the harsh times of the 13th century when two fearless soldiers, birkebeiners, rescued a young prince and skied over the mountain fighting against the wild nature around them. This young prince, Haakon, later became the King. To honor him and his rescuers, all participants at Birkebeinerrennet must carry a 3.5kg backpack symbolizing the prince’s weight. 

Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XIV (2022/2023)

• Event 1: December 10, 2022 – Bad Gastein PTT, Bad Gastein, Austria, 15km
• Event 2: December 11, 2022 – Bad Gastein Criterium, Bad Gastein, Austria, 35km
• Event 3: December 17, 2022 – La Venosta Criterium, Val Venosta, Italy, 40km 
• Event 4: January 14, 2023 – Pustertaler Ski Marathon, Sexten, Italy, 62km
• Event 5: January 15, 2023 – Prato Piazza Mountain Challenge, Niederdorf, Italy, 30km
• Event 6: January 21, 2023 – Engadin La Diagonela, Engadin Valley, Switzerland, 55km 
• Event 7: January 29, 2023 – Marcialonga, Trentino, Italy, 70km
• Event 8: February 12, 2023 – Jizerská50, Bedrichov, Czech Republic, 50km
• Event 9: February 18, 2023 – Grönklitt Criterium, Orsa Grönklitt, Sweden, 50km
• Event 10: February 19, 2023 – Grönklitt ITT, Orsa Grönklitt, Sweden, 15km
• Event 11: March 5, 2023 – Vasaloppet, Sälen-Mora, Sweden, 90km
• Event 12: March 18, 2023 – Birkebeinerrennet, Rena-Lillehammer, Norway, 54km
• Event 13: Release June 17, 11:00 CET
• Event 14: Release June 17, 11:00 CET

• Full Season Release June 17, 16:00 CET

More info about the Ski Classics Pro Tour you can find at skiclassics.com.

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