Sunday, October 1, it’s time for Klarälvsloppet, a 90km roller ski event in Sweden. On SC Play, you can watch the Ski Classics Challengers event live, with Katerina Paul as the expert commentator.

It will be the Ski Classics Pro Team athlete Katerina Paul, Team BSV IBEX, together with host Teemu Virtanen that (in English) lead the viewers through this weekend’s broadcast on SC PLAY. 

Klarälvsloppet – Live Here on SC Play!

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Katerina Paul is the sole Australian in the Ski Classics Pro Tour and represents the Swiss Pro Team, Team BSV IBEX. 

The Australian skier has started in 18 Pro Tour events so far, and her best results were a 24th place at the Tåssåsen Criterium 64 in 2021 and the same position at the Grönklitt ITT in 2023. 

Read More – Katerina Paul: “Ski Classics racing truly breaks you down and brings the best out of you.” 

This weekend, Katerina Paul will be on the other side of the TV, now as an expert commentator. We caught up with her to get her perspective on this exciting role and her thoughts on the Ski Classics Challengers event.

Katerina Paul is set to take on the role of commentator for Klarälvsloppet, one of the most anticipated events of the summer season. In her own words, she expressed her enthusiasm for this opportunity:

“I really appreciate the opportunity to guest commentate for Klarälvsloppet; having recently graduated with a bachelor’s in sport management, I really enjoy seeing the other side of the sporting events. I am very excited for the experience and look forward to learning more about the other side of the TV with Teemu.“

Expectations are high with a formidable lineup of Pro Team athletes participating in the race. Katerina anticipates that some athletes may still be amidst extensive training and not necessarily in peak racing form. She elaborated:

“There is such a high-quality group of athletes starting on Sunday. I expect some athletes will be coming out of large volumes of training, so not necessarily in good racing shape, but I can imagine it will be a good warm-up before the season starts. It could be an opportunity for some athletes to showcase a step-up and perhaps a opportunity for a relatively unknown name to come into the spotlight.”

Reflecting on her previous Ski Classics season, Katerina shared her satisfaction with her performance:

“I was satisfied with my latest season, I had a little time in the front (which was a first experience for me), I had some personal bests, and I felt as though I managed to take the next step in my Ski Classics’ racing. I certainly had a physical low after Macialonga, I fell ill with a stomach bug, and from there, various illnesses just kept coming for the next four weeks. Clearly, my body had enough, and I was just tired with little to no energy to finish up the season with any sort of speed.” 

Regarding her training season, the Pro Team athlete talked about her love for the Australian winter and her appreciation for on-snow training:

“I always love the winter down here in Australia. It was not the best season for me, but I had some great on-snow training. Sadly, the 42km Kangaroo Hoppet was canceled due to a lack of snow! A race I was certainly looking forward to. I did however finish up the season with my 5th victory in the Overall FIS Continental Cup.”

As the Ski Classics Season XV looms just over two months away, Katerina’s focus remains on her rigorous training regimen:

“Train, Eat, Sleep, Repeat! I am coming over to Europe on October 23, straight to Livigno in Italy for an on-snow training camp with my Team BSV IBEX,” and adds:

“But before then, I will continue training the best I can here and enjoy time with my family and friends in the warm spring weather before coming to Europe for six months.” 

Katerina Paul reaffirms her commitment to Team BSV IBEX for the upcoming season, marking her fourth consecutive season with the Pro Team. She has high hopes for the team’s performance:

“Team BSV IBEX is still my team; this will be my 4th season with them coming up. I hope as a team we can continue to get more points, and as a Pro Team, I hope to see us within the top 20, edging towards the top 15 this year! My own personal top goal would be a top 20 result in a race this season.” 

As for the Ski Classics Season XV calendar, Katerina and her Pro Team intend to participate in many Pro Tour events.

“We are planning on doing every race this season except for the Birkebeiner. I am most looking forward to the Bad Gastein Opening weekend, the Grönklitt Criterium, the Marcialonga, and of course, the big 100km Janteloppet!”

Klarälvsloppet – A Ski Classics Challengers Event

Klarälvsloppet is a 90km long-distance roller ski event in Karlstad. The event is Sweden’s longest roller ski race, and the course cuts right through the Värmland countryside following the river Klarälven, a 90km paved nature experience.

Best Moments of Klarälvsloppet 2022

The race in classic technique welcomes both elite and recreational participation. The 2023 edition is the sixth one taking place, which attracts many of the top athletes in the long-distance skiing world. 

There are also 60km and 21km roller ski distances and running and cycling events on the same weekend. The 90km event is seeding for Vasaloppet and is part of the Ski Classics Challengers series. 

Klarälvsloppet – Facts

• Date: Sunday, October 1, 2023
• Location: Karlstad
• Country: Sweden
• Race Distance: 90km 
• Technique: Roller ski classic
• Website: Klarälvsloppet   
• Instagram: Klarälvsloppet      
• Facebook: Klarälvsloppet     

Klarälvsloppet – Map and Profile

Klarälvsloppet is a Ski Classics Challengers event. Pro Team registered athletes can collect points for the Ski Classics Champion and Youth competitions in their respective genders. 

A list of Ski Classics Challengers events with confirmed dates for season 2023/2024 can be found at Ski Classics. The list is updated continuously with new events.

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