As the La Venosta ITT Kapron-Melago looms in the scenic Italian Alps, anticipation mounts: who will emerge victorious in this short distance event? With top contenders like Anikken Gjerde Alnæs and Herman Paus in the fray, predicting the winner is anyone’s guess in this thrilling race against the clock.

The La Venosta Individual Time Trial (ITT), set in the picturesque Italian Val Venosta, offers a unique challenge to the world’s elite long-distance skiers. This 11-kilometer race, held at a grueling high altitude, veers from the traditional long distances, testing the athletes’ prowess in a shorter, more intense format.

Men’s Category: A Battle of Specialists

Herman Paus, from Team Ramudden, won last year’s La Venosta ITT. This year, we hope to see him again fighting to be at the podium. At 24 years old, he is a rising star in the long-distance cross-country ski scene. Let’s see how he behaves this Sunday in Italy.

Amund Hoel, from Team Engcon, has won the Bad Gastein ITT Season XVI. He was the fastest one and deserved his first Pro Tour event win. Although it was a more flat race, he has been doing good training and is a complete athlete. We can’t wait to see his performance this weekend.

Ole Jørgen Bruvoll, from Team Engcon, finished 4th place last year at La Venosta ITT. His sprint and strength capabilities will allow him to do a great race this weekend. Bruvoll also finished 2nd at Bad Gastein ITT, 22nd at the Bad Gastein Criterium, and 4th at the 3 Zinnen Ski Marathon, showing he is fit to fight for the win.

Also Read: All you need to know ahead of the 3 Zinnen Ski Marathon and La Venosta ITT Kapron-Melago

Women’s Category: A Fierce Contest Awaits

Emilie Fleten, from Team Ramudden, is currently in second place at the Sprint, Champion, and Climb competitions and is one of the strongest contenders. Her commanding victory at the Bad Gastein Criterium, where she dominated from the start, underscores her versatility across different terrains and distances.

Anikken Gjerde Alnæs, from Team Engcon, also stands out as a top favorite. She won Bad Gastein ITT, got 2nd at the Bad Gastein Criterium, and won again at the 3 Zinnen Ski Marathon, so we have high hopes for her this Sunday. Anikken is currently leading the Champion and Sprint competitions and is 4th in the Climb competition, which makes her a fierce contender for the competition. 

Although she is in great shape, she fears hurting her knee. She says: “My knee is a bit better. My goal now is to be in front of the championship instead of sprints because of my knee injury.”

Stina Nilsson, from Team Ragde Charge, is a multi-medalist in cross-country skiing; Nilsson’s explosive power and sprinting capabilities make her a formidable contender. Her exceptional ability to maintain high speeds and accelerate in the final stretch could secure her a top spot at La Venosta ITT Kapron-Melago.

She has repeatedly shown dominance in fast-paced competitions where tactical bursts of speed are essential. Stina is currently in the 4th position in the Champion competition, so she has much to conquer this new season.

As La Venosta ITT beckons, the stage is set for an exhilarating showdown. With the race’s unique format and the diverse strengths of the contenders, long-distance skiing fans are in for a thrilling spectacle in the heart of the Italian Alps.

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, 55km
• 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