This weekend, the Ski Classics Pro Tour continues with Birkebeinerrennet. Vasaloppet winner Torleif Syrstad has high expectations for the Grand Classics event.

Torleif Syrstad, Lager 157 Ski Team, had the race of his life when he won Vasaloppet two weeks ago. But the Pro Team athlete has not fully contemplated the victory.

“The last few days have been very busy, so I haven’t had time just to relax and think about my race that day. After the season I will understand what I did. Now I just focus on the rest of the season and the races that are left,” says Syrstad to Ski Classics during the Live Sessions ahead of Birkebeinerrennet.

Do you feel that the victory in Vasaloppet has affected your self-confidence?

“Yes, it has. It boosted my self-confidence, seeing that I can win ski races.”

After a few easy days, Torleif has started training again. Despite the challenging Vasaloppet, his body feels good.

“This past weekend was tough because of my job and all the media coverage. Last week, I was tired, but my training has always been good. My standard sessions have been good, and I look forward to competing.”

Read More – Torleif Syrstad: “I finally executed a perfect ski race!”

High hopes

In recent years, Torleif has focused on developing his uphill skiing. He hopes to benefit from this at Birkebeinerrennet this weekend.

“I feel like one of the best climbers on a good day. My goal for the last 2-3 years has been to improve my uphill skiing.”

What are your thoughts about Birkebeinerrennet?

“Birkebeinerrennet is the second most important race after Vasaloppet, and I rank it higher than Marcialonga. I really like Birken because it’s a really tough race and not really a tactical race. It’s always the best for the day that wins,” he says.

What are your goals for the race?

“I hope to be on the podium, and hopefully, I can get another win. My best result from Birkerbeinerrennet is 12th place, so I hope to improve on that.”

Also Read: Syrstad and Fleten win the 100th edition of Vasaloppet

Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XV

The Season XV of Ski Classics Pro Tour consists of 15 events on 11 event weekends in 6 different countries. The season started in Bad Gastein, Austria, on December 9, 2023, and will end in Norway with the 100km Ski Classics Grand Finale Janteloppet on April 13, 2024.

Next up is Birkebeinerrennet. The 54-kilometer long-distance skiing race in classic technique marks the 12th Ski Classics stage and the final Grand Classics event, Season XV.

Read More – Birkebeinerrennet: Ski Classics Season XV goes to Norway

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, 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, 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