La Venosta Criterium – Leading the Pack in the Men’s Division

Kasper Stadaas, Team Ragde Charge, showcased his formidable prowess at the Bad Gastein Criterium, securing the top spot with an impressive time of 1:37:29.1. His victory was highlighted by a commanding sprint finish, which currently sees him donning the coveted Yellow bib in the Ski Classics Champion competition, amassing an impressive 295 points. Additionally, Stadaas has left his mark in the Climb competition, leading with 24 points, and in the Sprint competition, leading with 53 points, and tied with Alfred Buskqvist, Team Ramudden.

Amund Riege, Team Ramudden, has firmly established himself as a top-tier contender, finishing a mere 1.6 seconds behind Stadaas at the Bad Gastein Criterium. He currently holds the second spot in the overall Ski Classics Champion competition with 270 points. Riege is also a significant player in the Climb competition, trailing Stadaas by just one point with 23 points to his name. Not to mention his leading position at the Youth competition with 270 points.

Stian Hoelgaard’s, Team Aker Dæhlie, fourth-place finish at the Bad Gastein Criterium, just 2.8 seconds behind Stadaas, underscores his competitive edge and ability to stay in close proximity to the race leaders, especially in high-pressure scenarios.

Max Novak’s, Team Aker Dæhlie, recent performances and achievements suggest that he is a formidable contender in the La Venosta Criterium. His commendable third-place finish in the recent Bad Gastein Criterium is a testament to his capabilities in competitive events. Moreover, he currently holds the third position in the Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XV with 249 points, showcasing his consistency and high-level performance.

La Venosta Criterium – Prominent Contenders in the Women’s Category

Emilie Fleten, Team Ramudden, emerged victorious in the women’s race at the Bad Gastein Criterium, dominating the competition and finishing with a commanding lead in 1:50:34.0. Her stellar performance extends to the Climb competition, where she leads with 30 points, and to the Sprint competition, with 60 points.

Ida Dahl, Team Engcon, secured a well-deserved second place at the Bad Gastein Criterium, finishing 2:57.8 behind Fleten. Her consistent performance places her at the top of the women’s overall Ski Classics standings with 269 points. Dahl also stands as a notable competitor in the Climb competition, holding second place with 24 points.

Karolina Hedenström, Lager 157 Ski Team, a rising star, displayed her potential with a third-place finish in the Bad Gastein Criterium, trailing the winner by 4:51.9. Her impressive performance in the Ski Classics Youth competition, where she leads with 248 points, highlights her capabilities as a young talent.

Finally, a top contender is Sofie Elebro, Team Eksjöhus. Her fifth-place finish in the Bad Gastein Criterium demonstrates her ability to maintain a competitive edge in challenging races. After a summer with good performances, the Swedish Pro Team athlete might be at the best phase of her career.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, La Venosta Criterium, a challenging 37km race in the stunning Val Venosta, Italy, promises to be an exhilarating event as part of the Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XV. With key contenders like Kasper Stadaas, Amund Riege, Stian Hoelgaard, and Max Novak battling it out in the men’s division, and Emilie Fleten, Ida Dahl, Karolina Hedenström, and Sofie Elebro leading the charge in the women’s category, we can expect fierce competition and remarkable performances.

Also Read: All you need to know ahead of La Venosta weekend

The Season XV of the 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