Men’s 50km Mass Start Classic – Preview

As the 50km classic-style race approaches in Planica on Sunday, March 5, 2023, cross-country skiing enthusiasts eagerly anticipate an action-packed event. Norway, which has been dominant in this event, will field a strong team led by reigning world champion Emil Iversen.

Here’s what to expect in the upcoming race:

Norwegian Dominance

Norwegian men have been a force to reckon with in the 50km event, having won seven of the last nine World Championship titles. In this period, only Petter Northug won multiple gold medals in the event. Northug, who won back-to-back World Championships in 2009-2011, remains the last cross-country skier to achieve this feat.

Iversen, who won the 50km classic in Oberstdorf in 2021, is seeking to join a group of seven men who have won multiple world titles in the men’s 50km classic style or freestyle events. Among them is Sixten Jernberg, who won a record four world titles.

Other Norwegian skiers to watch out for in the race include Pål Golberg, Didrik Tønseth, Sjur Røthe, and Johannes Høsflot Klæbo.

Contenders from Other Countries

Finland’s Iivo Niskanen, who won gold in the 50km classic style at the 2018 Winter Games, hopes to hand his country its first world title in a men’s 50km event since Mika Myllylä in 1999. Only Sweden (19) and Norway (14) have won more world titles in the men’s 50km event than Finland (11).

Jens Burman, who finished fifth in the 50km classic style event at the 2021 World Championships, could become the first Swede to reach the podium in a 50km event at the World Championships since Johan Olsson (bronze in 2015).

Andrew Musgrave, who missed the podium by one place in the 50km freestyle event in 2017, will represent Great Britain. The country has never won a medal at a World Championship.

Scott Patterson from the United States of America is hoping to become the second American man to win a World Championships medal after Bill Koch (2). He finished in the top 10 in 50km events in the World Championships in 2021 (10th) and Olympic Winter Games in 2022 (8th).

Final Thoughts

With a strong Norwegian team, the 50km classic-style race is set to be an exciting event. Will Iversen defend his title, or will a new champion emerge? Cross-country skiing fans will be watching closely to find out.

Planica, Slovenia, is the place for this winter season’s World Championships, with ten competitions in 12 days and the last race being the men’s cross-country skiing 50km mass start race on March 5, 2023. 

March 5, Sunday

• 12:00 Men’s Mass Start, 50km classic
• After the competition – Medal and Closing Ceremony

Start list, details, and results you can find here

Men’s Start List

See below the complete program for the World Championships in Planica, Slovenia. *subject to changes

FACTS Planica World Championships Season 2022/2023

• When: Tuesday, February 21 to Sunday, March 5, 2023 
• Who: Elite national skiers
• Where: Planica, Slovenia
• What: FIS Cross-Country World Championships in Planica, Slovenia

Planica 2023 – Cross-Country Skiing Complete Program

February 21, Tuesday

• 20:23 Opening Ceremony, Planica Nordic Park Kranjska Gora

February 22, Wednesday

• 12:00 Women’s Qualification race, 5km freestyle
• 13:30 Men’s Qualification race, 10km freestyle

Start lists, details, and results you can find here

February 23, Thursday

• 12:00 Women/Men Sprint qualification, classic
• 14:30 Women/Men Sprint finals, classic

Start lists, details, and results you can find here

February 24, Friday

• 15:30 Men’s Skiathlon, 15/15km

Start list, details, and results you can find here

February 25, Saturday

• 14:00 Women’s Skiathlon, 7.5km/7.5km

Start list, details, and results you can find here

February 26, Sunday

• 11:30 Women/Men Team Sprint qualification, freestyle
• 13:30 Women/Men Team Sprint finals, freestyle

Start lists, details, and results you can find here

February 27, Monday 

• Day Off

February 28, Tuesday

• 12:30 Women’s Individual, 10km freestyle

Start list, details, and results you can find here

March 1, Wednesday

• 12:30 Men’s Individual, 15km freestyle

Start list, details, and results you can find here

March 2, Thursday 

• 12:30 Women’s Relay, 4x5km classic/freestyle

Start list, details, and results you can find here

March 3, Friday

• 12:30 Men’s Relay, 4x10km classic/freestyle

Start list, details, and results you can find here

March 4, Saturday

• 12:00 Women’s Mass Start, 30km classic

Start list, details, and results you can find here

March 5, Sunday

• 12:00 Men’s Mass Start, 50km classic
• After the competition – Medal and Closing Ceremony

Start list, details, and results you can find here

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