The Tiera Taivalkoski–Syöte Challenger returns for its third edition on Saturday, July 5, 2026, in Taivalkoski, Finland, this year adding Finnish Championship status to the Ski Classics Challengers event.
The 40km classic roller skiing event runs from the Tiera hotel in Taivalkoski to the summit of Syöte, covering one of the most demanding road sections in Finland. The route tests skiers’ summer fitness on a journey that ends at the top of Iso-Syöte, Finland’s southernmost fell.
The Finnish Ski Association has granted the event the title of Finnish Championship, which is a significant step for the competition. The chairman of the organizing committee, Matti Tyni, is pleased with the decision:
“It is great to organize a roller skiing competition also at the Finnish Championship level. In addition to the adult series, we will organize separate Finnish Championship series for veterans and juniors.”
Tyni also emphasizes the opportunity the event offers for younger athletes: “The event offers juniors an excellent opportunity to get acquainted with the terrain of the upcoming winter’s Finnish Junior Championship and a developing competition with top adult skiers in a mass start.”
On Saturday of the same weekend, the Taivalkoski Trail Run cross-country running competition will also be organized, creating a summery sports weekend in Taivalkoski in connection with the traditional Päätalo week.
More information about the event can be found HERE
