As Ski Classics transitions from Season XVI to XVII, several promising Cubs athletes are now set to age into the Youth category. Here’s a look at the next generation who could take the leap in Season XVII.
The Ski Classics Pro Tour is known for blending experience with youthful talent, and each new season brings changes in athlete eligibility across categories. As we close Season XVI and enter Season XVII, it’s time to look at Cubs athletes who potentially move up to the Youth category in the next season.
Please note that while these skiers are eligible for the Youth category, it is not confirmed now whether they will continue racing in Ski Classics.
What Is The Cubs Category?
Cubs include athletes under 22 years of age, with the range based on the year the Ski Classics Final takes place. For Season XVI, that meant athletes born from 2004 to 2008. With the transition to Season XVII, many will age out of Cubs and become eligible for Youth (U26).
From Cubs To Youth – Names To Watch
These Cubs athletes, born in 2004 or earlier, may now move into the Youth category if they continue competing in Ski Classics Season XVII:
- Tova Andersson, Team Ramudden
- Halvor Bade, Team Synnfjell
- Matilda Bandefur, Team GS8
- Frans Daubitz, Bruse Sauerland Ski Team
- Maya Desseux, i3 Ski Team
- Noa Genest, i3 Ski Team
- Anton Grahn, Team Eksjöhus
- Casper Kvam Grindhagen, NTNUI Ski Team
- Elio Jarriand, i3 Ski Team
- Sigurd Wahl Kallum, NTNUI Ski Team
- Kristian Kongssund, Team Næringsbanken Stora Enso
- Wilma Lax, Team Edux
- Matyáš Martan, eD system Vltava Fund Team
- Hjalmar Oscarsson, Team Ramudden
- Mikkel Sjursen, Team Synnfjell
- Andreas Skjelle, NTNUI Ski Team
- Mie Christine Stangeland Sorensen, NTNUI Ski Team
Each of these athletes showed strong performances and commitment throughout the past season and could now face new challenges in the Youth ranks.
The Cubs Standouts From Season XVI
A few standout Cubs from last season have already made a name for themselves:
- Silva Kemppi, Team Mäenpää, finished as the top female with 404 points.
- Cecil Kümpel, Ski-Willy Marathon Team Austria, and Thea Nordin, Team Eksjöhus, finished in second and third places among female Cubs with 288 and 238 points, respectively.
- Alvar Myhlback, Lager 157 Ski Team, topped the men’s ranking with 1698 points and also ranked 3rd in the Youth category overall.
- Mikkel Sjursen and Halvor Bade, Team Synnfjell, tied in second place among male Cubs with 143 points.
As these athletes continue to grow and gain experience, they are names to follow closely in the Youth competition if they line up again for Season XVII.
Also Read: Final Ski Classics Standings Seaosn XVI – All Bib Winners
About The Youth Category
The Youth category is for athletes aged 26 or below, based on the calendar year. In Season XVI, it included athletes born from 1999 to 2008. Points are calculated from the Champion competition and include one Ski Classics Challengers result. The best male and female win the prestigious Pink Youth bib.
Stay tuned for the next article, where we explore the Youth athletes potentially moving into the elite category.
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Photo: Vanzetta/NordicFocus
