The legendary Engadin La Diagonela is back! Athletes and all the skiing world is excited about this weekend’s race in Switzerland. We have compiled the top women and men contenders for this Ski Classics event. Here’s an in-depth look at these Pro Team athletes and what makes them the favorites to watch.

About Engadin La Diagonela

On Saturday, January 18, 2025, the spotlight falls on Engadin La Diagonela. It’s a 43km demanding long-distance ski race in the breathtaking Engadin Valley. Renowned as Switzerland’s premier classic technique competition, this Pro Tour event marks the fifth event of Season XVI.

Engadin La Diagonela has been an important part of the Ski Classics Pro Tour since its inception in Season IV, and organizers proudly emphasize three key elements that set Engadin La Diagonela apart: stunning landscapes, high altitude exceeding 1.800 meters above sea level, and an unparalleled atmosphere.

Also Read: All you need to know ahead of Engadin La Diagonela Season XVI

Men’s Favorites: A Blend of Endurance, Consistency, and Tactical Mastery

Andreas Nygaard: A veteran with multiple Ski Classics victories, Nygaard’s experience and endurance are unmatched. This Ski Classics Legend, a member of Team Ragde Charge, finished 3rd place in the 3 Zinnen Ski Marathon, with both – Stadaas and Hoel – on the podium. He humbly says: “I hope I can still win races.” His ability to handle demanding courses like Engadin La Diagonela makes him a top favorite. This weekend will be a great new challenge for all.

Oscar Kardin: Representing Lager 157 Ski Team, after winning last weekend’s La Venosta ITT race, he said: “It was really nice to win. I like La Diagonela, but this new version of the race it’s very different. Let’s see!” During the Live Sessions, Kardin said he was feeling great all the way, but maybe the skis did not help at the highest point. We can’t wait to see how well he will perform during Engadin La Diagonela this Saturday. 

Johan Hoel: One of the superstars of Team Ragde Charge, Johan Hoel, was 2nd place last year in this race and 2nd at the 3 Zinnen Ski Marathon last weekend. Johan is in great shape for La Diagonela and has been training during this week but says: “The track is a bit shorter, and the competition is harder right now…” He finished by saying he was running to stay ahead of the bib competition. 

Women’s Favorites: Consistency, Pace-Setting, and Technical Expertise

Emilie Fleten: Emilie said last Saturday was a “black day with lots of emotions.” Even though she won La Venosta ITT Kapron-Melago, she was feeling tired. This week, she decided to rest for a couple of days to get her energy back. Although she is frustrated, she knows she can do it better. Leading the Climb competition and second in both Sprint and Champion competitions, she will have her spot this weekend. 

Stina Nilsson: Representing Team Ragde Charge, Stina Nilsson secured her spot at the podium, finishing 3rd place at the Bad Gastein Criterium and 2nd at La Venosta ITT, which makes her a good fit for this weekend’s Engadin La Diagonela. Bad Gastein Criterium was her first long-distance skiing race, so she will probably show us her full potential from now on. 

Anikken Gjerde Alnaes: Team Engcon member and leading both the Champion and Sprint competitions, Anikken confessed she is surprised with her recovery. She said at the Live Sessoins earlier this week: “I was super nervous because of the downhills, but I showed myself I can do it!”

Bad Gastein and 3 Zinnen were great for her, so we can’t wait to see how well she will perform this weekend for the Engadin La Diagonela.

Jenny Larsson: From Lager 157 Ski Team, Jenny says she loves the Engadin Valley. About her podium last weekend, she says it was good for her: “It gave me the certain that I’m in good shape. It meant a lot to me.” She knew she was good in downhills, but uphills were a surprise, which only meant her training was going well. She also said she did the same training as when she won La Diagonela in the 2020/2021 season. 

The Unpredictable Nature of Long-Distance Skiing

While expert analysis provides valuable insights, the unpredictable nature of long-distance ski marathons always keeps fans on edge. Engadin La Diagonela, with its picturesque Swiss landscapes and a mix of seasoned champions and rising stars, promises to be a captivating display of endurance, skill, and strategic prowess. As the athletes prepare to tackle the demanding course, one certainty remains: the race will be a thrilling spectacle for spectators and an intense challenge for all competitors.

Season XVI of the Ski Classics Pro Tour consists of 14 events across 10 event weekends in 6 countries. It started in Bad Gastein, Austria, on December 13, 2024, with the Pro Team Presentation and ends in Finnsnes, Norway, with the Ski Classics Grand Finale Summit 2 Senja on March 30, 2025.

Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XVI (2024/2025)

• Event 0: Friday, December 13, 2024 –Ski Classics Pro Team Presentation XVI – Bad Gastein, Austria
• Event 1: Saturday, December 14, 2024 – Bad Gastein ITT – Sportgastein, Austria, 7km
• Event 2: Sunday, December 15, 2024 – Bad Gastein Criterium – Sportgastein, Austria, 36km
• Event 3: Saturday, January 11, 2025 – 3 Zinnen Ski Marathon – Sexten, Italy, 60km
• Event 4: Sunday, January 12, 2025 – La Venosta ITT Kapron-Melago – Val Venosta, Italy, 11km
• Event 5: Saturday, January 18, 2025 – Engadin La Diagonela – Pontresina-Zuoz, Switzerland, 43m
• Event 6: Sunday, January 26, 2025 – Marcialonga – Trentino, Italy, 70km
• Event 7: Sunday, February 9, 2025 – Jizerská50 – Bedřichov, Czech Republic, 50km
• Event 8: Saturday, February 15, 2025 – Grönklitt Criterium 61 – Orsa Grönklitt, Sweden, 61km
• Event 9: Sunday, February 16, 2025 – Grönklitt ITT – Orsa Grönklitt, Sweden, 12km
• Event 10: Sunday, March 2, 2025 – Vasaloppet – Sälen-Mora, Sweden, 90km
• Event 11: Saturday, March 15, 2025 – Birkebeinerrennet – Rena-Lillehammer, Norway, 54km
• Event 12: Saturday, March 22, 2025 – Marcialonga Bodø – Bodø, Norway, 50km
• Event 13: Saturday, March 29, 2025 – Reistadløpet – Setermoen-Bardufoss, Norway, 46km
• Event 14: Sunday, March 30, 2025 – Grand Finale Summit 2 Senja – Bardufoss-Finnsnes, Norway, 60km

More information about the Ski Classics Pro Tour can be found at skiclassics.com