The Ski-Willy Marathon Team Austria wrapped up an eventful Ski Classics Season XIV, securing 32nd place in the competitive Pro Team ranking with 192 points. The team’s remarkable performance throughout the season marked it as one of the most successful in its history.

Reflecting on the season, Ski-Willy Marathon Team Austria Pro Team Director Peter Kiene shared his perspective, stating: 

“Last winter was one of the most successful in the history of the Austrian long-distance cross-country skiing team. We were able to achieve 27 podiums, including 19 victories in national and international ski marathon races. However, our anticipated results were not fully realized in the Ski Classics Pro Tour due to many illness-related absences and injuries.”

Kiene acknowledged the challenges faced by the Pro Team, explaining: 

“Regrettably, several of our Pro Tour athletes were hindered by illness-related absences and injuries, preventing them from showcasing their full potential. Given the size of our team, we have excelled in races below the Pro Tour level, particularly on the men’s side. Some young, strong athletes are moving up as they progress towards their Ski Classics goal. However, we face a shortage of motivated athletes for long-distance skiing in the women’s side, both in Austria and Germany.”

As the Ski Classics Season XV approaches, the provisional team lineup comprises a combination of seasoned veterans and promising young athletes. Florian Göbel and Josua Strübel, esteemed team veterans, are set to lead the charge alongside the talented Lorenz Grüber, Matthias Waldauf, Eva Mocnik, and Luisa Grießbaum. 

While Göbel has his sights firmly set on securing the coveted Veteran bib, the team’s younger members are focused on gaining valuable experience, improving their form, and amassing crucial points.

Exciting developments are also underway within the Austrian Pro Team as they actively seek to enhance their lineup. Team Director Peter Kiene revealed ongoing discussions with two international female skiers, intending to strengthen the team further by adding a third female athlete and a fast male skier.

Expressing about the new program for emerging countries, Kiene shared his perspective, stating: “the limitation of nine athletes from established nations like Sweden and Norway, combined with the bonus points rule for skiers from emerging countries, creates an environment that encourages wealthier Scandinavian teams to recruit talented and strongest athletes from mainly Central European teams. This dynamic hinders the progress of middle-tier and trailing teams, making it challenging to climb the team hierarchy and attract potent sponsors. Nevertheless, we remain motivated to face these obstacles head-on, even if it feels like we are fighting against windmills.”

As the Ski-Willy Marathon Team Austria sets its sights on the future, their unwavering determination and commitment continue to propel them forward. With a rich legacy behind them and a promising lineup ahead, the team remains poised to conquer new heights in the forthcoming Ski Classics Season XV.

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Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XV (2023/2024)

• Event 1: December 9, 2023 – Bad Gastein PTT, Austria, 15km
• Event 2: December 10, 2023 – Bad Gastein Criterium, Austria, 35km
• 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 – Pustertaler Ski Marathon, Italy, 62km
• Event 6: January 20, 2024 – Engadin La Diagonela, Switzerland, 55km
• 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, 50km
• Event 10: February 18, 2024 – Grönklitt ITT, Sweden, 12km
• 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

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