| Ski Classics |
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| Status | active |
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| Genre | sporting event series |
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| Date(s) | Northern winter |
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| Frequency | annual |
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| Inaugurated | 2011 (2011) |
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Ski Classics is a series of long-distance cross-country ski races in classic style that has been held since 2011. In season XII, 2021–2022, the circuit included 15 events, in a professional tour for the 35 Pro Teams involved. From 2015 to 2022, the official name of the circuit was Visma Ski Classics, thanks to their main sponsor.[1] The special thing about the Ski Classics concept is that anyone can start the races: professional or amateur, male or female, 25 or 75 years old. Everyone stands together on the same starting line to face the same weather conditions and the same course.
Ski Classics has also, since April 2019, launched the concept of Challengers. This tour has been created to connect and promote long distance skiing events worldwide. By autumn 2021, 39 races were on the Challenger calendar, combining cross-country skiing in winter and roller skiing throughout the year.
History
The cup was first arranged in 2011. The Czech skier Stanislav Řezáč won the men's overall cup, and the Swiss skier Seraina Boner won the ladies' overall cup.
In 2012, the cup consisted of 7 races. The races were Jizerská padesátka, Marcialonga, König Ludwig Lauf, Tartu Maraton, Vasaloppet, Birkebeinerrennet and the final Norefjellrennet which was cancelled because of lack of snow. The Norwegian cross country skier Anders Aukland won the overall cup. He participated for the Norwegian team Team Xtra Personell. The Swedish skier Jenny Hansson won the ladies' overall cup.
In 2013, the cup consisted of 6 races, Jizerská padesátka, Marcialonga, König Ludwig Lauf, Vasaloppet, Birkebeinerrennet and Årefjällslopet. It is an overall-cup, a sprintpoints-cup, a youth-cup and a team competition. The most profiled teams are Team Xtra Personell, Team United Bakeries, Team Coop, Team Tynell, Team Skinfit Racing Team and Team Skigo.
In 2014, the cup consisted of 6 races, among them La Diagonela, Marcialonga and Vasaloppet. Rickard Tynell won the first race, held in Switzerland due to lack of snow in Czech Republic.
Sweden
Italy
Switzerland
Czech Republic
Estonia
Norway
Finland
