As the cross-country skiing season kicks into high gear, the Ski Classics Pro Team athletes have already left an indelible mark on the traditional cross-country skiing world, showcasing their prowess and adaptability in the opening events at Beitostølen, Norway, and Gällivare, Sweden. 

The picturesque landscapes of Beitostølen set the stage for a thrilling start to the Norwegian season. Elite athletes from traditional and long-distance skiing competed, providing a preview of the challenges and triumphs that lie ahead. The action then moved to Gällivare, Sweden, where the Pro Team athletes continued to impress against a backdrop of world-class competition.

Triumph at Beitostølen

The picturesque setting of Beitostølen played host to the Norwegian premiere this winter season. Many athletes, both from traditional skiing and long-distance skiing, started the race, showing their actual shape for the upcoming season. The Norwegian FIS season premiere in Beitostølen is known for drawing a large and solid field of athletes. For many elite cross-country skiers, these races are an essential performance indicator for the World Cup in Ruka and a good thermometer for the winter.

One standout Pro Team performer among these world-class skiers was Astrid Øyre Slind. The Norwegian athlete, who races for Team Aker Daehlie, exhibited extraordinary stamina and technique and took home first place at the Norwegian cross-country skiing premiere in the women’s 10km individual start race in freestyle technique with a total time of 24:40.4 and the 2nd place at the classic style race, finishing behind Heidi Weng.

Read More: Astrid Øyre Slind winner at the Beitostølen freestyle race

Another notable achievement came from Astrid’s sister, Silje Øyre Slind, Team Aker Dæhlie, who showcased her versatility in the skating technique event and finished 1:18 minutes behind the winner.

On the men’s side, Andrew Musgrave from Team Aker Daehlie was the best Pro Team athlete of the day. The British skier, who also races in World Cup events, finished third in the classic technique event.

Strong performances at Gällivare

Moving on to Gällivare, Sweden, several Ski Classics Pro Team athletes continued to show strong performances amongst world-class traditional skiers. 

In the sprint competition, Team Aker Daehlie’s Max Novak was the 12th fastest skier, but the strongest skier was Lager 157 Ski Team’s skier Alvar Myhlback, finishing in the 3rd place.

The next day, Emil Persson, Lager 157 Ski Team, was the fastest Pro Team athlete, finishing the classic technique 10km event in 7th position, followed by Alvar Myhlback, who finished 8th. Then, Eddie Edström from Team Engcon came to 13th, Vebjørn Moen, Team Eksjöhus, finished in 14th place, Axel Jutterström, Team Eksjöhus, 18th, and Max Novak, Team Aker Dæhlie, finished the race in the 19th position.

In the free technique race, Alvar Myhlback, Lager 157 Ski Team, was the only Pro Team athlete in the top 20, finishing 8th. 

On the women’s side, Team Eksjöhus’ Sofie Elebro came in sixth place at the classic technique 10km race. Last season’s overall Ski Classics winner, Ida Dahl, Team Engcon, finished ninth, and Frida Erkers, Team Eksjöhus, came in 14th place.

Frida Erkers and Sofie Elebro were the strongest Pro Team athletes in the free technique race. They finished the 10km course in 10th and 18th place, respectively.

Conclusion

In Beitostølen and Gällivare, the Ski Classics Pro Team athletes have demonstrated their strength and set the tone for an exciting Ski Classics Season XV. Astrid Øyre Slind’s outstanding achievements, alongside remarkable performances by her teammates, signal a formidable force for the upcoming season. At the same time, Sofie Elebro, Frida Erkers, and Ida Dahl showed they will also be strong on the women’s side.

The field was wide open on the men’s side, and Season XV, which is soon to start, will show who was the strongest and fastest of them all.

Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XV – Video Teaser

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 – 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, 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

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