Friday, Mar 29, 2024 Today's Paper
SC Ranking
1 Emil Persson 26,131,871
2 Emilie Fleten 25,727,163
3 Ida Dahl 25,349,402
4 Kasper Stadaas 25,223,899
5 Andreas Nygaard 25,127,760
6 Johan Hoel 24,606,367
7 Max Novak 23,987,836
8 Thomas Ødegaard... 23,852,025
9 Magni Smedås 23,636,780
10 Amund Riege 23,583,626
11 Axel Jutterströ... 23,542,041
12 Torleif Syrstad 23,512,785
13 Herman Paus 23,495,292
14 Oskar Kardin 23,419,307
15 Runar Skaug Mat... 23,365,022
16 Morten Eide Ped... 23,285,882
17 Stian Hoelgaard 23,173,466
18 Alvar Myhlback 23,165,443
19 Petter Stakston 23,019,317
20 Eirik Sverdrup ... 22,963,315
21 Tord Asle Gjerd... 22,951,404
22 Magnus Vesterhe... 22,934,908
23 Karstein Johaug 22,778,591
24 Johannes Eklöf 22,675,173
25 Thomas Bing 22,339,680
26 Astrid Øyre Sli... 21,755,592
27 Kati Roivas 21,625,092
28 Jeremy Royer 21,459,378
29 Anikken Gjerde ... 21,371,471
30 Einar Kalland-O... 21,367,119
31 Silje Øyre Slin... 21,093,377
32 Nils Dahlsten 21,036,730
33 Klas Nilsson 20,963,902
34 Alfred Buskqvis... 20,959,327
35 Eddie Edström 20,922,307
36 Thomas Joly 20,769,655
37 Torgeir Sulen H... 20,750,282
38 Jenny Larsson 20,746,503
39 Karolina Hedens... 20,551,427
40 Marcus Johansso... 20,519,477
41 Patrick Fossum ... 20,194,014
42 Petter Northug 20,160,567
43 Fabián Štoček... 20,118,753
44 Joar Thele 20,099,099
45 Juuso Mäkelä 19,956,551
46 Sofie Elebro 19,615,781
47 Jan Šrail 19,577,269
48 Ole Jørgen Bruv... 19,126,007
49 Fredrik Helgest... 18,888,790
50 Gustav Eriksson 18,599,193
 
Events & Results
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Historical And Unique Marcialonga

The day before Marcialonga, let’s remember the history of this traditional Italian race and review the images that marked thousands of participants and cross-country ski enthusiasts worldwide.

Photo: Marcialonga

Marcialonga starting line in 1974.

Marcialonga’s concept dates back many years. In 1969, Giulio Giovannini and Roberto Moggio were officially the first Italians to complete Vasaloppet in Sweden. The following year, they were followed by Nele Zorzi and Mario Cristofolini. Enthusiasm for long-distance skiing events grew so much that the idea of creating something similar in Italy, in the valleys of Fiemme and Fassa, plus the Italian warmth, blossomed and soon became a reality.

And why the name Marcialonga? From Italian, Long March, which for the founders meant hard work, friendly competition between skiers, and the involvement of the community and spectators in this celebrated event.

Since the beginning, in 1971, spectators have been part of Marcialonga’s history. Photo: Marcialonga
Marcialonga 1971. Photo: Marcialonga

With great work from the four creators, they were soon helped by volunteers and collaborators, and on February 7, 1971, the first edition of Marcialonga took place.

Ulrico Kostner won the race in front of the favorite Franco Nones, who had won gold during the Olympics in Grenoble in 1968.

Marcialonga finish line in 1971. Photo: Marcialonga
Marcialonga podium in 1974. Photo: Marcialonga

Only men could participate in the first six editions of the race, although some women tried to sneak in under false names. From 1978, women were allowed to participate, and France’s Dominique Robert won the first women’s edition.

If you are a member of ProXCskiing.com, you can watch the video of the first edition of Marcialonga here.

Artificial Snow

The lack of snow has been a recurring problem for Marcialonga, mainly before artificial snow covered the entire course. In 1975, 1989, and 1990, the race was canceled, and reduced in many other years.

An extensive network of snow cannons has been developed over the years to make the race less dependent on weather conditions. From the beginning of October each year, 30 snow cannons in 24 different places produce snow for the 70 kilometers course.

Artificial snow can cover the entire 70km course. Photo: Visma Ski Classics/Magnus Östh

Classic vs. Freestyle Technique

Marcialonga started as a race in classic style but changed in 1985 to freestyle. In 2003, the race returned to the classic style, and Jørgen Aukland took his first of four victories. Since then, the race has always been in classic technique.

In 2004, Marcialonga was part of the World Cup, and Anders Aukland won a fierce battle with Italian Giorgio Di Centa. The two were alone in front of the mythical Cascata, the final hill before the finish line. Di Centa stopped to apply kick wax on his skis; Aukland chose to double pole all the way and ended up winning by a good margin.

Double poling is the norm nowadays for the Pro Tour skiers. Photo: Visma Ski Classics/Magnus Östh

Participants

Marcialonga has attracted thousands of professional and recreational skiers over the years. The event itself and the pleasant environment in and around the competition are the year’s highlights for many skiers worldwide.

The record number of participants was 7,570 in 2013, and that year, the course was extended by 2km so that skiers could pass through the center of Canazei and Predazzo.

In 2022, there are just over 5,000 subscribers, an impressive number considering the pandemic situation.

Marcialonga has been part of the Visma Ski Classics circuit since its inception in the 2010/2011 season and is one of four events that form part of the Grand Classics, along with Jizerská50, Vasaloppet, and Birkebeinerrennet.

Marcialonga – Facts

  • Location: Trentino, Italy
  • Date: Sunday, January 30
  • Start Time: Men 8:00 CET / Women 8:05 CET
  • Distance: 70km Classic Technique
  • Visma Ski Classics Sprints: Canazei – 18km, Lago di Tesero – 55km
  • Visma Ski Classics Climbs: L’Infinita – 32km, Cavalese – 70km

Marcialonga program, start lists, and live streaming on SC Play can be found here.

Marcialonga – Maps

Marcialonga Course Map
Marcialonga Profile Map 

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Photo: Reichert/NordicFocus
Photo: Reichert/NordicFocus

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