The famous Dolomitenlauf, a Ski Classics Challengers event, took place last weekend in Obertilliach, Austria. The action in the men’s event was intense until the final meters of the race, with the decision for the podium places remaining for the exciting final sprint. 

Mauro Brigadoi from Team Internorm Alpenplus Trentino was the first athlete to cross the finish line, followed by Fabián Štoček, Vltava Fund Ski Team, in second place, and Francesco Ferrari, Team Internorm Alpenplus Trentino, in third place.

Read More: Mauro Brigadoi and Malin Börjesjö Take The Top Spots At Dolomitenlauf

Mauro Brigadoi has consistently been the best Italian long-distance skier competing at the Ski Classics long-distance circuit. The Italian skier was Season X and Season XI’s best Italian athlete, and he recently also managed to finish in the 5th position at Marathon International de Bessans, a Ski Classics Challengers event in France.

Also Read: Malin Börjesjö and Thomas Joly Winners of Marathon International de Bessans

“Dolomitenlauf was a good day for me” this is how Mauro starts our talk after winning the Challengers race. 

“I didn’t finish Pustertaler (Ski Marathon) and got sick during the week, so winning was unexpected.”

Fabián Štoček and Francesco Ferrari were fast in the race’s final stages, so Mauro decided to attack earlier to gain an advantage. Still, the finish line was intense, with Fabián finishing precisely at the same time and Francesco finishing 0.8 seconds behind.

“I knew Fabián and Francesco were faster at the final stages of the races, so I started going fast one kilometer from the finish line, and it went well for me.”

His Pro Team is happy about Mauro’s results. However, Mauro shows some humbleness after winning the race when we mention that he is one of the best Italian skiers.

“I am happy to be a good cross-country skier, but there are other athletes in Italy that are growing, like Lorenzo Busin and Francesco Ferrari.”

But why did Mauro and his Pro Team decide to race Dolomitenlauf while the rest of the Ski Classics Pro Tour athletes were racing at Engadin La Diagonela? 

“The team and I decided to race the Dolomitnlauf because it gives us more visibility, and that is important for the sponsors. Also, it’s a little easier than Engadin La Diagonela, something that might be good for Marcialonga,” shares Mauro.

Achieving this victory is very important for Mauro Brigadoi, especially because it was done just one week before Marcialonga, the most important sports event of the year for this Italian skier. It is the most important race held in Italy, and this year Mauro is hoping to improve his best result.

“Marcialonga is the most important race for us because it is the most important event we do at home. I am hoping to improve my 24th place.”

Team Internorm Alpenplus Trentino has managed to be among the best Italian Pro Team competing at Ski Classics. With a team showing improved performance year after year, they are now hoping to achieve the title of the best Italian team and reach even higher places.

“We are hoping to continue to achieve excellent results. Perhaps a top 20 would not be bad,” concludes Mauro Brigadoi at the end of our interview.

The upcoming Ski Classics Pro Tour event is Marcialonga, a 70km classic technique event in Italy on January 29.

Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XIV (2022/2023)

• Event 1: December 10, 2022 – Bad Gastein PTT, Bad Gastein, Austria, 15km
• Event 2: December 11, 2022 – Bad Gastein Criterium, Bad Gastein, Austria, 35km
• Event 3: December 17, 2022 – La Venosta Criterium, Val Venosta, Italy, 40km 
• Event 4: January 14, 2023 – Pustertaler Ski Marathon, Sexten, Italy, 62km
• Event 5: January 15, 2023 – Prato Piazza Mountain Challenge, Niederdorf, Italy, 32km
• Event 6: January 21, 2023 – Engadin La Diagonela, Engadin Valley, Switzerland, 48km 
• Event 7: January 29, 2023 – Marcialonga, Trentino, Italy, 70km
• Event 8: February 12, 2023 – Jizerská50, Bedrichov, Czech Republic, 50km
• Event 9: February 18, 2023 – Grönklitt Criterium, Orsa Grönklitt, Sweden, 50km
• Event 10: February 19, 2023 – Grönklitt ITT, Orsa Grönklitt, Sweden, 15km
• Event 11: March 5, 2023 – Vasaloppet, Sälen-Mora, Sweden, 90km
• Event 12: March 18, 2023 – Birkebeinerrennet, Rena-Lillehammer, Norway, 54km
• Event 13: April 1, 2023 – Reistadløpet, Setermoen-Bardufoss, Norway, 40km
• Event 14: April 2, 2023 – Summit 2 Senja, Bardufoss- Finnsnes, Norway, 67km

More information about the Ski Classics Pro Tour you can find at skiclassics.com.

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