After a successful season last winter, where she secured seven podium finishes and finished second overall in Ski Classics, Kati Roivas has faced significantly tougher challenges this year. Now, the Finnish ski star has decided to end her season prematurely.

Last winter, she went from being just another name on the start list to becoming a podium contender in record time. After Ski Classics Season XV 2023/2024, Kati Roivas had seven podium finishes and an overall second-place finish in Ski Classics. However, this year has been the opposite—the Finnish ski star has gone from being a podium candidate to merely filling out the results list.

Also Read: From doubt to dominance: Inside Kati Roivas’ remarkable rise in long-distance skiing

Needs Rest

Kati Roivas will now conclude her season early.

“It’s time to give my body the rest it needs, and that being said, the season 24/25 is over for me,” Roivas wrote on her Instagram, continuing:

“Sometimes you can give 110% but at the end it just doesn’t work. This season was one of those. My goals have not changed but a little break and time to recharge will do good now.”

“A big thank you to my personal sponsors and team sponsors for giving me the opportunity to live my dream and those who follow and cheer for me,” Roivas concluded.

Second Skier from the Same Team

The 30-year-old from Liperi, Finland, is the second of the two biggest stars in the Swedish Pro Team, Team Eksjöhus, to end the season prematurely.

Norwegian star Magni Smedås pulled the brakes as early as January when she realized her World Championships dream was over.

Read More: Kati Roivas wins Tjejvasan in a tight sprint – First event win for Finland

Birkebeinerrennet this weekend in Norway

On Saturday, March 15, 2025, the Ski Classics Pro Tour travels to Norway for the Birkebeinerrennet. The 54-kilometer event marks the 11th Ski Classics Pro Tour stage and the fourth and final Grand Classics event, Season XVI.

Also Read: Birkebeinerrennet – Why carry a backpack?

Birkebeinerrennet – Ski Classics Pro Tour Event 11

• Date: Saturday, March 15, 2025
• Location: From Rena to Lillehammer, Norway
• Distance: 54km Classic Technique
• Start Time: 7:45 CET for Men and 8:00 CET for Women
• SC Climbs: 2
  • Raudfjellet (Iconic Climb): km 20
  • Midtfjellet: km 34
• Total Ascent: 1059m
• Last Edition Winners: Magni Smedås (2:47:09.9) and Andreas Nygaard (2:23:55.9) 
• Website: Birkebeinerrennet
• SC Play: Birkebeinerrennet

More information about Birkebeinerrennet can be found HERE and HERE

Birkebeinerrennet – Course Map and Profile

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, 11km
• Event 5: Saturday, January 18, 2025 – Engadin La Diagonela – Pontresina-Zuoz, Switzerland, 43km
• 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, 13km
• 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

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