Kasper Stadaas, Team Ragde Charge, a name swiftly becoming synonymous with domination in the Ski Classics circuit, continues to carve his mark in the world of cross-country skiing. His recent triumph at Bad Gastein Criterium and solid results at La Venosta, not only put him on the lead for the Yellow bib, but also showcased his competitive spirit and love for the sport.

Also Read: Fleten and Stadaas winners of Bad Gastein Criterium Season XV

Stadaas is currently the leader of the Champion bib competition with 535 points, ahead of 2^nd classified Axel Jutterström, Team Eksjöhus. The Norwegian Pro Team athlete has also been showing his capabilities with a 2^nd classification at the Sprint and 1^st at the Climb competitions. Moreover, Kasper Stadaas is just one victory away from becoming a Legend in the Ski Classics circuit.

Read More: Stadaas aims to become a Ski Classics Legend

Reflecting on this milestone, Stadaas shares, “Winning La Diagonela (in 2022) was about more than just crossing the finish line first; it was about validating my belief in myself and giving back to my team,” Kasper says to Proxcskiing.com.

He continues, “Winning is awesome and gives this great feeling in the body. I love competition in almost every format, whether it’s board games, party games, or cross-country skiing. Winning La Diagonela felt like giving back a little to the team for believing in me and taking a chance on me going from all-round to Ski Classics”.

Blending training with adventure and fun

Stadaas’ approach to training blends intensity with adventure, a philosophy that saw him roller skiing from Norway to Sweden last summer and doing long runs in Chamonix. This summer, Kasper roller skied over 230km from Tjøme to the southern coast of Norway and tackled the grueling 57km Blefjells Beste mountain race. “It was a challenge,” Stadaas admits, “but one that strengthens both body and mind.”

“I tried to mix it up again this summer. I did a roller ski from my summer house at Tjøme to my girlfriend’s summer house on the south coast of Norway. 230 km and roughly 11 hours of double poling. I also spontaneously joined this ultra trail running race called Blefjells Beste, which is a 57km long race in the mountains with 2500m of elevation gain. That one really hurt, and I promised myself to never do anything like that again.”

Kasper attributes his success to a mix of physical prowess, strategic acumen, and exceptional support from his team. “It’s about finding that perfect balance,” he says, “between chasing individual sprints and staying in contention for the overall win.”

Kasper continues, “Every race I’m on the start line is a new opportunity to have fun and race hard. What happens happens, but I like to be the architect of my own fortune.”

Staying Grounded: Stadaas’ Blend of Competitive Focus and Seasonal Joy

Despite the pressures that come with being at the top, Stadaas remains grounded. “Pressure is part of the game,” he explains, “It’s about using it to your advantage, to stay focused and motivated.” His goals for the rest of the season are clear, with a particular focus on excelling in the Grand Classics, especially Marcialonga and Vasaloppet.

“I have thought out the Grand Classics, and especially Marcialonga and Vasaloppet, as the two races I really want to be in the best shape. But I will not sacrifice those for having fun. I race the fastest when I have fun, and I feel I’m on the offensive.”

While the Festive season was a time for most of us to relax, Stadaas planned to balance high-level training with quality time with family and friends, so he comes back strong after this time. “It’s about striking the right balance,” he says, preparing for upcoming challenges while embracing the joy of the season.

Watch Here – Ski Classics Ski or Die: Raw cut interviews featuring Stadaas, Hedenström, and Hovland

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Next up on Ski Classics Season XV is the 3 Zinnen Ski Marathon in Italy on January 13, 2024. The event marks the fifth Ski Classics stage, Season XV.

The Season XV of Ski Classics Pro Tour consists of 15 events on 11 event weekends in 6 different countries. 

Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XV (2023/2024)

• Event 1: December 9, 2023 – Bad Gastein PTT, Austria, 13km
• Event 2: December 10, 2023 – Bad Gastein Criterium, Austria, 36km
• Event 3: December 16, 2023 – La Venosta Criterium, Italy, 37km 
• Event 4: December 17, 2023 – La Venosta ITT, Italy, 10km
• Event 5: January 13, 2024 – 3 Zinnen Ski Marathon, Italy, 62km
• Event 6: January 20, 2024 – Engadin La Diagonela, Switzerland, 56km
• Event 7: January 28, 2024 – Marcialonga, Italy, 70km
• Event 8: February 11, 2024 – Jizerská50, Czech Republic, 50km
• Event 9: February 17, 2024 – Grönklitt Classic, Sweden, 60km
• Event 10: February 18, 2024 – Grönklitt ITT, Sweden, 13km
• Event 11: March 3, 2024 – Vasaloppet, Sweden, 90km
• Event 12: March 16, 2024 – Birkebeinerrennet, Norway, 54km
• Event 13: April 6, 2024 – Reistadløpet, Norway, 50km
• Event 14: April 7, 2024 – Summit 2 Senja, Norway, 60km
• Event 15: April 13, 2024 – Ski Classics Grand Finale – Janteloppet, Norway, 100km

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