On Saturday, the final event of the Autumn Classics, the Ski Classics Challengers Energamo Lipnolopet 2025, will take place. Which hot contenders for victory can we expect on the start list? And what makes the event unique for them?

Energamo Lipnolopet is historically the first Ski Classics Challengers event in the Czech Republic. On Saturday, October 4, athletes will set out on roller skis in classic technique from Frýdava, near the Lipno Reservoir, on the Czech-Austrian border, and take on a 55km course with a total elevation gain of 1,200 meters. The participants reach the start most conveniently by ferry, which adds to the event’s charm.

After a flat opening, the course heads into rolling terrain midway through the race, offering stunning views of the Alps. Before the finish, athletes face a demanding 5km climb to the mountain village of Svatý Tomáš, with gradients reaching up to 20%. In short, a true long-distance roller ski race that both professionals and recreational skiers look forward to. And for those not up for the full 55km, organizers also offer shorter distances – races of 22km, 9km, and a Friday 1km sprint.

Also Read: Energamo Lipnolopet 2025 this weekend in the Czech Republic

What do the top contenders think about Energamo Lipnolopet?

Kateřina Janatová

Last year, she skipped Energamo Lipnolopet, but she had convincingly won both previous editions. Can the Czech World Cup star secure a hat-trick?

Kateřina enjoys the autumn race, which also fits into her preparation:

“It’s great to do such a long double-poling race. For me, it’s especially beneficial for strength, as my muscles often give out in long races. By doing these longer races, I will get used to it and can hold on longer in the World Cup. Plus, it’s a solid workout of over 2–2.5 hours at a good intensity,” she explains to Bezky.net.

But it’s not just about training – she also loves the Lipno area and Šumava:

“What I like most about the race is probably the surrounding nature, and I take my family with me so they can enjoy it too. It’s also great that the road is closed, so we don’t have to worry about traffic.”

The challenging final climb also suits her:

“Even if the pace is high with double poling, the last hill can help me to a better result,” says Kateřina.

At the Czech Championships on roller skis last weekend, she only raced Sunday’s freestyle competition, which she won with ease. She had planned to race both Friday’s sprint and Saturday’s main race at Energamo Lipnolopet, but is monitoring her health day by day:

“Before Nationals, I wasn’t feeling well, so I skipped two races to make sure I’d be okay. Today I feel sort of average. I still need to decide if starting is the right choice. Unfortunately, illnesses keep recurring. I try my best, but my body isn’t coping as I’d like. Anyway, I had planned to do both the sprint and the long race, but I should also go to Torsby, so I’ll have to decide based on my condition,” she explains.

Sandra Schützová

The Czech long-distance number one, representing the Norwegian Pro Team, Team Kaffebryggeriet Driv, is already familiar with the course from last year. She started then, after knee surgery – she had torn a ligament after falling on a gel wrapper during Birkebeinerrennet.

Despite the long rehab, she proved her double-poling strength. Last weekend, she also won two Czech national titles on roller skis, indicating that her form is solid.

Unfortunately, Sandra is also not fully healthy and will skip the Friday sprint. She hopes to race Saturday’s main event:

“Since Sunday, I’ve been stuck in bed, so I have no expectations. I’ll only find out on the course how it goes and whether I can even finish,” she says.

Last year, she also entered the race right after recovering from illness:

“It went better than expected, considering it was just a week after Covid,” explains the Czech double-poling specialist.

And what does she like most about the race?

“I’d say the most beautiful thing is the surrounding nature. Abroad, I can only compare it to Blinkfestivalen and Alliansloppet, but Lipnolopet has a special charm,” she says.

Sandra enjoyed the flatter sections last year, though she laughs about the course profile:

“The course would probably suit me more if the last 5km climb wasn’t so long. Even for diagonal stride, it’s quite a challenge,” she admits.

Thomas Bing

The German athlete representing the Czech Pro Team eD system RSJ Ski Team has already won Energamo Lipnolopet twice.

Thomas is no longer a full-time professional – he combines his job as a customs officer with training. Why does he love coming back?

“First of all, I like the great atmosphere of the race and the evening party. And of course, the course itself, because it’s different from all the others,” Thomas explains.

Last year, the biggest favorite was Max Novak, but Thomas beat him. How does he recall the victory?

“I had an advantage. From the previous year, I knew what the final climb was like and how tough it is. So, I used that experience, and it turned out to be a good chance to win,” says Thomas modestly.

One of the strongest favorites this year is Norwegian Magnus Vesterheim. What’s Thomas’s tactic to beat him?

“I’ll decide on the tactic the night before, once I know the weather forecast and the wind direction,” the German skier reveals.

We can also look forward to seeing Thomas Bing in Friday’s sprint, alongside both Czech stars:

“Yes, of course I’ll race the sprint. It will be tough, and during the race I’ll probably ask myself why I’m doing it, but in the end, it will be fun,” he confirms.

Read More: Bing and Bångman winners of Energamo Lipnolopet 2024

Live Streaming on SC PLAY

The event is part of the Autumn Classics together with Klarälvsloppet and Båstad-Mölle. You can follow Energamo Lipnolopet live on SC PLAY this Saturday from 9:55 CET. 

ENERGAMO LIPNOLOPET – LIVE HERE ON SC PLAY!

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Energamo Lipnolopet 2025 – Facts

• Date: Saturday, October 4, 2025
• Location: Frýdava
• Country: Czech Republic
• Race Distance: 55km 
• Technique: Roller ski classic
• Website: Energamo Lipnolopet   
• Registration: Energamo Lipnolopet   
• Instagram: Energamo Lipnolopet   
• Facebook: Energamo Lipnolopet
• SC PLAY: Energamo Lipnolopet   

For a preliminary start list, click HERE.

Ski Classics Challengers

Energamo Lipnolopet is a Ski Classics Challengers event. Pro Team registered athletes can collect points for the Ski Classics Champion and Youth competitions in their respective genders. 

A list of Ski Classics Challengers events with confirmed dates for the season 2025/2026 can be found at Ski Classics. The list is updated continuously with new events.

Everyone participating in Ski Classics, Pro Tour or Challengers events, and professional and recreational skiers can connect their profile to the results database of Ski Classics called MyPages.

MyPages can be connected for free. In the profile, you can view your Ski Classics event results, collect pins, print diplomas, and analyze your results with friends in the SC ranking system. In your profile, you collect points according to your performance and are rewarded with pins and diplomas.

One of the central features of MyPages is that you get your global SC ranking. The SC Ranking is a live updated international ranking, unique in combining women and men, professional and recreational skiers in one single list.

As a member of ProXCskiing.com, you get full access to all content on the site. Also, live streaming of Ski Classics events with English commentaries is available.

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