Ski Classics Legend Kasper Stadaas, Team Aker Dæhlie, missed Marcialonga Bodø this weekend for a special reason: he became a father.

Stadaas was not on the start line in Sulitjelma, despite being in contention in the Ski Classics Champion and Climb competitions with only a few races remaining in Season XVII. His absence raised questions during the race, as the Norwegian star had not indicated beforehand that he would skip the event.

After the race, Stadaas shared the news on social media, explaining the reason behind the late change of plans.

“A little baby weighing 2.3kg decided that enough was enough and wanted out five weeks before mum and dad had planned his finish line,” Stadaas wrote on his Instagram.

The Norwegian also added, with a touch of humor, that the timing might be a good sign for the future, as the birth happened almost at the same moment as Torleif Syrstad crossed the finish line to win Marcialonga Bodø.

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A post shared by Kasper Stadaas (@kasperstadaas)

With two Pro Tour events remaining this season, Stadaas is currently among the top contenders in the overall standings and continues to lead the Climb competition.

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

Next up is Reistadløpet on Saturday, March 28, and the Grand Finale Summit 2 Senja on Sunday, March 29. The events mark the 12th and 13th and final Ski Classics Pro Tour events of Season XVII. 

Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XVII (2025/2026)

Season XVII of the Ski Classics Pro Tour consists of 13 events across 9 event weekends in 6 countries. 

• Event 1: December 13, 2025 – Bad Gastein Pro Team Tempo – Sportgastein, Austria, 7km
• Event 2: December 14, 2025 – Bad Gastein Criterium – Sportgastein, Austria, 36km
• Event 3: January 17, 2026 – Engadin La Diagonela – Pontresina-Zuoz, Switzerland, 47km
• Event 4: January 25, 2026 – Marcialonga – Moena-Cavalese, Italy, 70km
• Event 5: January 30, 2026 – Bedřichov Sprint – Bedřichov, Czech Republic, 1.5km
• Event 6: February 1, 2026 – Jizerská50 – Bedřichov, Czech Republic, 50km
• Event 7: March 1, 2026 – Vasaloppet – Sälen-Mora, Sweden, 90km
• Event 8: March 7, 2026 – Orsa Grönklitt 50k ITT Women – Grönklitt, Sweden, 50km
• Event 9: March 8, 2026 – Orsa Grönklitt 50k ITT Men – Grönklitt, Sweden, 50km
• Event 10: March 14, 2026 – Birkebeinerrennet – Rena-Lillehammer, Norway, 53km
• Event 11: March 21, 2026 – Marcialonga Bodø – Sulitjelma, Norway, 46km
• Event 12: March 28, 2026 – Reistadløpet – Setermoen-Bardufoss, Norway, 35km
• Event 13: March 29, 2026 – Grand Finale Summit 2 Senja – Bardufoss-Finnsnes, Norway, 60km

For more updates and detailed information about the Ski Classics Pro Tour, make sure to visit skiclassics.com

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