At last, the iconic 50km race with individual start is back on the international race calendar. And the ski community is celebrating. It has been 17 years since the last time.

Many reacted with sadness and disappointment when the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) scrapped the 50km individual start from the World Cup calendar 17 years ago. The last time it was held was in Holmenkollen on March 8, 2008.

Martin Johnsrud Sundby, Marit Bjørgen, and Petter Northug are among those who have repeatedly called for the return of the individual start on the longest distance since it disappeared from the World Cup schedule.

Now, the race is back on the calendar. It will take place March 7–8, 2026, in Orsa Grönklitt – just a stone’s throw from Mora, where Vasaloppet finishes the weekend before.

But it’s not organized by FIS. This time, it’s the long-distance series, Ski Classics Pro Tour, that has brought the traditional race format back. The Grönklitt 50k ITT is part of the Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XVII (2025–2026).

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The ski community rejoices

Jørgen and Anders Aukland have raced numerous 50km events with individual starts during their careers. They are thrilled about the return of the event.

“It’s the crown jewel of cross-country skiing, and its disappearance from the World Cup has been a loss for many, including myself. We think it’s super cool, and it’s a tribute to an old tradition – to the struggle of skier versus skier and against the clock,” Jørgen Aukland told Langrenn.com.

Ski Classics have featured individual start races for several years, but these have so far been between 10 and 15 kilometers long.

“There’s something unique about a 50km with individual start. I remember it well from when I raced it. It’s a format where a lot happens along the way, especially in the last 12–15 kilometers. It’s very cool that Ski Classics is now embracing this event.”

The only downside, according to Aukland, is the timing.

“Since it falls on the weekend between Vasaloppet and Birkebeinerrennet – the two biggest races in Ski Classics – some will have to prioritize. It might have been better to schedule it for the week after Birken or at the very end of the season,” Aukland said.

“And it would be insanely cool to run it in Holmenkollen. Or maybe Falun or Lahti. Why not?”

“An iconic event”

The Ski Classics Legend Andreas Nygaard also praises the concept.

“It’s incredibly exciting and something rarely done, so I’m very positive. It’s a cool concept and an iconic event that absolutely belongs in the Pro Tour,” Nygaard told Langrenn.com, adding:

“I think it could make for amazing TV. And it would be awesome to run it in Kollen or Falun.”

The 34-year-old Team Ragde Charge skier has won Vasaloppet twice, Birken five times, Marcialonga once, and Jizerská three times, and has 37 Ski Classics podium finishes.

“I think it’ll be cool for the skiers, but tough and grueling,” Nygaard said.

He has never raced a 50km individual start in his career so far and doubts he’ll do it this coming season. Like Aukland, he sees the timing as unfortunate.

“They’ve managed to place it at the worst possible time. I’ll probably prioritize Vasaloppet and Birken.”

The kids are coming

Several young Ski Classics athletes also welcome the individual start, including 24-year-old Amund Riege, who recently signed with Team Aker Dæhlie. He’s looking forward to the challenge – with a mix of excitement and fear.

“I think it’ll be a bloodbath! It’ll be extremely important to pace the start correctly. In Ski Classics, it often goes really fast from the beginning, so it’s easy to blow up if you’re not sharp in that regard,” Riege told Langrenn.com.

“I think it’s great they’re adding this event. I believe the results could look quite different compared to regular long-distance races,” he added.

Read More: Riege signs with Team Aker Dæhlie

Hoping for fair competition

Riege, however, has a concern with such a long individual start. He fears it could become unfair if the start order isn’t carefully planned and the seeding isn’t handled properly. If not, some skiers might benefit by “riding a train” with faster skiers.

“I hope they manage to set up a fair start order so the competition is even,” said Riege.

“And I also hope they manage to produce a good TV broadcast to make it interesting to watch.”

Ski Classics Director: Not set in stone

Ski Classics Director Oskar Svärd is pleased with the positive reception from the ski community and acknowledges the concerns about the timing.

Svärd explains that there are several reasons why the Ski Classics 50k ITT is scheduled in Orsa the weekend between Vasaloppet and Birken in the upcoming season.

One reason is the Winter Olympics in Italy, which effectively occupy most of February. The Games take place from February 4 to 22.

Another reason is environmental concerns and feedback from Central European Pro Teams.

“When there’s a gap between Vasaloppet and Birken, several Central European teams find the travel expensive. So, for them, it’s better to have more back-to-back weekends here in the North,” Svärd said, adding:

“And from an environmental perspective, reducing travel is also beneficial. Sustainability is one of our key principles in Ski Classics.”

Svärd also emphasized that it’s not set in stone that the race will always be held that same weekend.

“This year it’s scheduled this way. But it’s not carved in stone that it’ll always be the weekend between Vasaloppet and Birken.”

Read More: Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XVII 2025/2026

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