The Yellow bib is the most coveted achievement in the Ski Classics Pro Tour, and the skiers who wear it during the season represent the absolute elite of the sport. The skier who ultimately secures the jersey at the end of the season has demonstrated consistent top-level performance throughout the long season.

On the women’s side, Britta Johansson Norgren was exceptional, winning the overall competition six times, including five consecutive years. In the men’s category, Andreas Nygaard has claimed the Champion title three times, with potential for more titles in the future. Several other male skiers have won the Ski Classics title twice.

Last season, the men’s podium was dominated by Team Ragde Charge skiers, while in the women’s race, Team Ramudden and Team Eksjöhus shared the honors. In the men’s category, Johan Hoel, Kasper Stadaas, and Andreas Nygaard left no room for others, making them strong favorites this season as well. However, they will face stiff competition from a rising generation eager to dethrone the reigning champions.

Thomas Ødegaarden of Team Eksjöhus, who finished fourth in last season’s championship race, is one of the top challengers. His teammate Axel Jutterström is another strong contender, as is Amund Riege of Team Ramudden, who is still competing in the Youth category and aiming for victory in this division.

Also Read: Youth Bib Favorites for Ski Classics Season XVI 

Among the more experienced skiers, Max Novak could finally fulfill the high expectations placed upon him. The Team Aker Dæhlie skier finished fifth in the championship race last season and is determined to become one of the sport’s greats. Team Eksjöhus also has another potential contender in Eirik Sverdrup Augdal, who ranked seventh in this category last season.

The competitive field in the men’s race has expanded over the years, increasing the number of potential podium finishers. Notable challengers include last season’s Marcialonga winner Runar Skaug Mathisen, and Vasaloppet and Janteloppet winner Torleif Syrstad, both representing Lager 157 Ski Team.

Veterans like Morten Eide Pedersen from Team Eksjöhus and Oskar Kardin from Lager 157 Ski Team remain capable of podium finishes. It will also be interesting to see if Petter Stakston of Team Aker Dæhlie can raise his level, as he has significant potential. Meanwhile, Team Engcon’s Johan Tjelle and Ole Jørgen Bruvoll add to the list of strong competitors.

Other notable names include Stian Hoelgaard (Team Aker Dæhlie), Johannes Eklöf (Ski Team Göhlins), Magnus Vesterheim (Team Aker Dæhlie), and Herman Paus (Team Ramudden). While these skiers are capable of winning races and securing podiums, consistent performances throughout the season would be required to claim the championship.

A major question mark in the men’s category is Lager 157 Ski Team’s superstar Emil Persson, who struggled to replicate his undefeated form from the previous year. If Persson regains his lost momentum, he will undoubtedly be one of the strongest contenders for the championship.

Another intriguing prospect is Alvar Myhlback, also of Lager 157 Ski Team. At just 17 years old, he finished third in last season’s Vasaloppet and aims to perform well again in this race, which is one of his main goals this winter. However, since Myhlback will also compete in shorter-distance races, he may not participate in enough Pro Tour events to contend for the overall title.

In the women’s race, Emilie Fleten of Team Ramudden claimed victories in three different categories last season and remains the top favorite. Kati Roivas, Team Eksjöhus, who finished second overall, is seen as the strongest challenger, especially as her teammate Magni Smedås is focusing on the Trondheim World Championships, potentially limiting her ability to collect points in the Ski Classics series. However, Smedås will participate in the season opener in Bad Gastein.

Behind these three top athletes are several promising rising stars who are likely to secure podium finishes in individual races but may find the fight for the overall title too challenging. These future stars include Karolina Hedenström (Lager 157 Ski Team), last season’s Youth category winner and fifth in the overall standings, and Hanna Lodin (Team Engcon), who finished sixth overall last season and could improve further this winter.

Experienced skiers like Sofie Elebro Lind (Team Eksjöhus), Anikken Gjerde Alnæs (Team Engcon), Jenny Larsson (Lager 157 Ski Team), and Silje Øyre Slind (Team Aker Dæhli) should not be overlooked for podium battles in individual races. However, they are not considered top contenders for the overall title unless they significantly elevate their performances.

In the women’s race, a major question mark is Ida Dahl of Team Engcon, who struggled to maintain her previous year’s form when she won the overall series. If Dahl overcomes her challenges and rediscovers her spark, she will again be one of the top favorites in the women’s competition.

Team Ragde Charge’s acquisition of Swedish skiing star and Olympic champion Stina Nilsson, who is transitioning from biathlon, adds an interesting dynamic. Nilsson lacks experience in Ski Classics but could secure podium finishes this season. However, it is unlikely she will contend for the overall title in her debut season. Still, surprises are always possible.

Lastly, it is worth mentioning Astrid Øyre Slind of Team Aker Dæhlie, who would be one of the top favorites if she had more time to compete in Ski Classics. This season, her primary focus is the Trondheim World Championships, where she aims to add to her medal collection.

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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