Among the women, the top three are identical to those in the Champion competition. This trio often broke away from the rest during races, securing their points in the uphill competitions as well. On the men’s side, last season’s winner is also the overall Champion competition winner, but second and third places went to skiers who didn’t make the podium in the Champion race.

German skier Thomas Bing clearly prioritized the uphill competition last season. He is a strong uphill skier and, as a former World Cup competitor, is highly skilled in the so-called “herringbone technique.” Steep climbs are his strength. If Bing continues to focus on the uphill competition and has improved his overall race pace, he remains a strong candidate for a top-three finish in this category.

Johan Hoel will likely focus on winning individual races and defending his Champion title. However, he is a strong skier whose sprinting ability is not his greatest asset. This allows him to attempt early breakaways, especially on uphill sections. If he succeeds, he can again accumulate maximum points in the uphill competition and is a strong contender for the win next season.

Thomas Ødegaarden, who finished second in the uphill competition and fourth overall, is one of the sport’s rising stars if his development continues. Turning 26 in December, he will likely focus on the overall competition and podium finishes in individual races. This might mean he won’t tactically target the Climb competition, but a victory in this category would undoubtedly be a welcome achievement for the Norwegian.

A challenger in the men’s uphill competition could be Kasper Stadaas of Team Ragde Charge, who finished fourth in last season’s Climb ranking and second overall. He is a strong climber and always a potential podium contender. If Team Ragde Charge’s male skiers collaborate strategically, they could also secure Climb points, even though their main goal is winning individual races.

For the women, more breakaways are expected during the races compared to the men. Last season’s top three climbers are very likely to secure points again this season. If Ida Dahl overcomes her recent adversities and regains the form that secured her victories in both the uphill and overall competitions two years ago, she will undoubtedly emerge as one of the top favorites in this category.

Silje Øyre Slind has also shown good early-season form, making her a strong candidate for podium finishes in the Climb competition. Silje’s sister, Astrid, would also be a strong favorite in the uphill category, but she is focusing on World Cup races and the Trondheim World Championships this winter.

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

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

Read More: Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XVI

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