The Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XVII starts this Saturday in Bad Gastein. With a solid field and more assertive Pro Teams, both the men’s and women’s Champion competitions look wide open.

Based on last season’s results, national previews, and team information ahead of the season opener, here are the possible favorites for the Yellow bib this winter.

Men’s favorites

Ole Jørgen Bruvoll – Team Engcon

The defending Champion begins the winter as a logical favorite after last season’s breakthrough with the Yellow bib. Bruvoll combined consistency, strong climbing, and excellent race management, and if he maintains that level, he will again be among the hardest athletes to beat.

Andreas Nygaard – Team Ragde Charge

A proven winner of the biggest races, Nygaard claimed Marcialonga and Birkebeinerrennet last season and continues to focus on the Grand Classics. When he is healthy and in shape, he is always a top threat for the overall.

Kasper Stadaas – Team Aker Dæhlie

Stadaas was close to winning the Yellow bib in 2024 and enters Season XVII with a new Pro Team and renewed ambitions. His finishing speed and improved durability make him a complete contender for the overall classification.

Amund Riege – Team Aker Dæhlie

One of the most exciting young names in the field. Riege won the Bad Gastein Criterium and Engadin La Diagonela last season and now joins a new Pro Team setup that could help him take another step. If he combines high peaks with consistency, he can be a serious factor in the overall battle.

Alvar Myhlback – Lager 157 Ski Team

Despite missing the opening weekend due to illness, the Vasaloppet winner remains one of the biggest long-term favorites. With his World Cup breakthrough this autumn and rapid development, Myhlback could still impact the fight for the yellow bib later in the season.

Max Novak – Team Aker Dæhlie

Novak’s winter included a win at the Grönklitt Criterium, and podium finishes at Marcialonga, Vasaloppet, and La Venosta ITT. If he avoids setbacks and disqualifications, he has the potential to challenge for the overall title.

Axel Jutterström – Team Eksjöhus

Jutterström has shown consistent growth in recent years and is ready to challenge the very best. With strong endurance, reliable race execution, and the ability to perform on heavy courses, he is one of the top Swedish hopes for Season XVII.

Women’s favorites

Anikken Gjerde Alnæs – Team Engcon

Last season’s overall winner and Green bib leader returns after one of her best training periods in years. With her consistency across all race profiles, Alnæs is once again among the top candidates for the Yellow bib overall.

Emilie Fleten – Team Ramudden

The 2024 overall winner and last year’s Climb bib winner remains one of the strongest long-distance specialists. Fleten has reported good form heading into the opener and is expected to fight for the overall title again.

Magni Smedås – Team Eksjöhus

After recovering from the illness that sidelined her for most of last winter, Smedås made a strong comeback by winning Alliansloppet. If she holds that level across the season, she is a realistic contender for top points in several races.

Stina Nilsson – Team Ragde Charge

Nilsson impressed in her first full Ski Classics season with victories at Vasaloppet, Birkebeinerrennet, and Marcialonga Bodø. With another year of long-distance training, she could play a significant role in the Yellow bib battle.

Silje Øyre Slind – Team Aker Dæhlie

Slind earned her first Ski Classics victory last season at Engadin La Diagonela. Known for her stability and all-around capacity, she could be a factor in the overall standings if she produces regular top results.

Hanna Lodin – Team Engcon

Lodin earned her first Ski Classics Pro Tour podium last winter at Jizerská50, and fought for the Youth bib until the final races. Now out of the Youth category, she aims to step into the front group more consistently and could surprise in the overall points race.

Louise Lindström – Team Eksjöhus

Last season’s Youth bib winner and multiple top-five performer, Lindström, has fully committed to Ski Classics this winter after declining World Cup opportunities. Her progression suggests she could finish the season much higher in the overall standings.

Jenny Larsson – Lager 157 Ski Team

A major force in the women’s field, Larsson is known for her aggressive racing style and capacity to dominate challenging courses. If she maintains consistency through the winter, she is absolutely among the athletes capable of fighting for the Champion bib.

Also Read: All you need to know ahead of the Bad Gastein weekend Season XVII

Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XVII (2025/2026)

• Event 1: December 13, 2025 – Bad Gastein Pro Team Tempo – Sportgastein, Austria, 7km
• Event 2: December 14, 2025 – Bad Gastein Criterium – Sportgastein, Austria, 36km
• Event 3: January 17, 2026 – Engadin La Diagonela – Pontresina-Zuoz, Switzerland, 55km
• Event 4: January 25, 2026 – Marcialonga – Moena-Cavalese, Italy, 70km
• Event 5: January 30, 2026 – Bedřichov Sprint – Bedřichov, Czech Republic, 1.5km
• Event 6: February 1, 2026 – Jizerská50 – Bedřichov, Czech Republic, 50km
• Event 7: March 1, 2026 – Vasaloppet – Sälen-Mora, Sweden, 90km
• Event 8: March 7, 2026 – Orsa Grönklitt 50k ITT Women – Grönklitt, Sweden, 50km
• Event 9: March 8, 2026 – Orsa Grönklitt 50k ITT Men – Grönklitt, Sweden, 50km
• Event 10: March 14, 2026 – Birkebeinerrennet – Rena-Lillehammer, Norway, 54km
• Event 11: March 21, 2026 – Marcialonga Bodø – Bodø, Norway, 50km
• Event 12: March 28, 2026 – Reistadløpet – Setermoen-Bardufoss, Norway, 35km
• Event 13: March 29, 2026 – Grand Finale Summit 2 Senja – Bardufoss-Finnsnes, Norway, 60km

For more updates and detailed information about the Ski Classics Pro Tour, make sure to visit skiclassics.com

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