Read about the 51st edition of Marcialonga, where speed, drama, and records converged in a 70-kilometer long-distance race that captivated and challenged the finest Finnish Pro Team athletes.

On Sunday, the picturesque valleys of Val di Fiemme and Val di Fassa in Italy were transformed into a stage for the extraordinary seventh stage of the Ski Classics Pro Tour – Marcialonga. This event not only tested the endurance of the world’s best Pro Team athletes over a 70-kilometer course but also offered a spectacle filled with speed, drama, and historic achievements.

The Heart of Marcialonga: A High-Speed Pursuit

The Marcialonga course, predominantly made of artificial snow, provided high-speed conditions for the competitors. The race witnessed breathtaking speeds, setting the tone for a day of action.

Record-Breaking Victories

With remarkable skill and stamina, Runar Skaug Mathisen of the Lager 157 Ski Team emerged as the men’s champion. At the same time, Emilie Fleten from Team Ramudden dominated the women’s category. Both athletes claimed victory and etched their names in the history books with record times.

Consistent Excellence: Kati Roivas’ Journey

Kati Roivas from Team Eksjöhus, representing Finland, continued her impressive streak by securing third place and the podium for the fourth consecutive time, reinforcing her status as a beacon of Finnish long-distance skiing prowess.

Miro Karppanen: Finland’s Pride in Men’s Category

Miro Karppanen, also from Finland and representing Team Kaski-Ekovilla, delivered a commendable performance, finishing 19th and standing out as the top Finnish male skier in this challenging race. The team’s director, Kari Varis, expressed satisfaction with their performance and anticipation for future races.

Drama on the Icy Track

The icy conditions led to multiple falls and equipment failures, underscoring the unpredictable nature of the sport.

Team Edux: Overcoming Adversities

Team Edux faced various challenges, including a crash, equipment issues, and suboptimal performances. Despite these setbacks, the team remained optimistic, with Pro Team Director Olli Tyrväinen reflecting on future competitions and strategies for improvement.

The Struggle and Resilience of Viktor Mäenpää

Viktor Mäenpää from Team Mäenpää shared his disappointment post-race, citing issues with his skis that hampered his performance. Despite this, he looks forward to training and future competitions, embodying the spirit of resilience.

Heli Heiskanen’s Challenging Race

Heli Heiskanen from Team Internorm Alpenplus Trentino entered the race buoyed by her recent victory at Dolomitenlauf but faced difficulties, including broken poles. Her determination and positive outlook, despite the challenges, were commendable.

Looking Ahead: The Ski Classics Pro Tour Continues

The Ski Classics Pro Tour is set to continue in the Czech Republic with the Jizerská50 on February 11. The anticipation for this next chapter in the Pro Tour is palpable, promising more thrilling and inspiring performances.

Conclusion

Marcialonga is a testament to the skiers’ resilience and quest for excellence. It’s a blend of speed, drama, and record-setting performances that leaves an indelible mark on the world of long-distance skiing. The athletes’ commitment and the scenic beauty of the Italian valleys make Marcialonga a truly unforgettable event.

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, 35km 
• 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