The skiing world turned its attention to Sportgastein, Austria, on December 14, 2024, as the Ski Classics Pro Tour commenced with the Bad Gastein Individual Time Trial (ITT), the first stage of Season XVI. This highly anticipated event featured both men’s and women’s races held under challenging winter conditions, showcasing the endurance and talent of elite cross-country skiers.
At the forefront of this event was Amund Hoel from Team Engcon, who clinched victory for the men’s competition with a remarkable time of 15:11.2. He led from the start, managing to stay just seconds ahead of his competitors throughout the race. His closest rival, Ole Jørgen Bruvoll, also from Team Engcon, crossed the finish line just 4.6 seconds later, marking his first podium finish in the Ski Classics Pro Tour. The third place was claimed by Amund Riege of Team Ramudden, who finished with a time just 7.5 seconds behind Hoel. Honorable mentions include Marcus Johansson from Lager 157 Ski Team, who celebrated his 100th Pro Tour start, finishing 76th.
On the women’s side, Anikken Gjerde Alnæs, also from Team Engcon, dazzled spectators with her impressive performance, clocking 17:39.9 to take the top spot. Gjerde Alnæs showcased her prowess by maintaining consistent leads at various intervals. She was 6.1 seconds faster than second-place Magni Smedås from Team Eksjöhus, and Emilie Fleten, representing Team Ramudden, rounded out the podium, finishing 11.3 seconds behind Alnæs.
The Bad Gastein ITT serves as more than just the opening race of the Ski Classics; it sets the tone for the rest of the season which consists of 14 events spread over 10 weekends across 6 different countries. After the ITT, the next exciting event on the schedule is the Bad Gastein Criterium on December 15, 2024, boasting 36 kilometers of competition.
Fans eager to follow the action can tune in to SC PLAY, which live-streams the events, offering commentary from experienced commentators like Guy McCrea and Max Östlund. With coverage available across various platforms, including iOS and Android apps, viewers are well-equipped to watch the ski racing spectacle from their homes.
At the conclusion of the Bad Gastein ITT, Anikken Gjerde Alnæs and Amund Hoel took home the champion bibs for the day, leading the overall standings as they head toward the next challenges. The champions also secured the Green bib of the Sprint Competition, with the first Sprint races slated for the next day. The competition is fierce across categories, with Kati Roivas and Thomas Bing leading the Climb Competition bibs. Meanwhile, Hanna Lodin from Team Engcon and Amund Riege are currently tied for the Pink Bib for the best Youth competitor.
The Ski Classics Pro Tour not only celebrates individual talent but also fosters community engagement, featuring athlete presentations, engaging live streams, and exclusive offers for members of the internet ski community, ProXCskiing.com. Every event promises to deliver excitement, fierce competition, and the spirit of cross-country skiing.
With the Bad Gastein ITT now behind them, participants and fans alike prepare for the upcoming challenges, all eyes turning toward the Bad Gastein Criterium. The fans are left wondering how the standings will shape up and which talented skiers will dominate the competition as the season progresses toward the Grand Finale Summit 2 Senja, scheduled for March 30, 2025.
