On Saturday, March 16, Ski Classics travels to Norway for Birkebeinerrennet. The 54-kilometer classic race marks the twelfth stage and the fourth and final Grand Classics event of Season XV.
While not the longest race in the Pro Tour, Birkebeinerrennet boasts one of the most challenging and demanding courses. Covering 54 kilometers, this classic race presents skiers with a formidable endurance test.
The stage starts with a long uphill stretch, with only a relatively brief downhill segment. Pro Team athletes will then be able to immerse themselves in the breathtaking mountain scenery before facing the second ascent.
Finally, as they approach the latter part of the course, skiers can savor the excitement of speed as they descend towards the finish line at the Olympic stadium, located a few kilometers away from the heart of Lillehammer city.
“The historic race between Rena and Lillehammer is always a pleasure to watch, with never-ending climbs, stunning scenery, and a fast finish down from Sjusjøen. A true classic finishing of the Grand Classics of Season XV,” says Ski Classics Sport Director Anton Karlsson.
Like Vasaloppet, Birkebeinerrennet stands as one of the world’s most iconic long-distance ski races, steeped in a rich historical legacy filled with tales of courage and adventure. The saga dates to the harsh times of the 13th century, when two brave soldiers, known as birkebeiners, undertook a daring mission to rescue a young prince, defying the harsh forces of nature as they traversed treacherous mountain terrain.
This young prince, Haakon, would eventually ascend to the throne as King. As a tribute to both the prince and his courageous rescuers, every participant in Birkebeinerrennet must carry a 3.5-kilogram backpack, symbolizing the prince’s weight.
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 – Pustertaler 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
- …
For more updates and detailed information about the Ski Classics Pro Tour, make sure to visit skiclassics.com.
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