Photo © Magnus Östh / Ski Classics
. world ski news : Swix Ski Classics 2014 will start with the women - 18 Септември 2013 - 10:32
SKI CLASSICS. The Swix Ski Classics long distance ski race Jizerska Padesátka, Czech Republic will follow the role model of Årefjällsloppet by having the elite women starting before the men.
Photo © Magnus Östh / Ski Classics
The world´s leading long-distance skiing championship, Swix Ski Classics, consists of six ski races across Europe; Jizerská Padesátka Czech Republic, Marcialonga Italy, König Ludwig Lauf Germany, Vasaloppet Sweden, Birkebeinerrennet Norway, and Swix Ski Classics Final Årefjällsloppet Sweden.
Årefjällsloppet which is the Swix Ski Classics final did a trial last season by having the women's elite start 15 minutes before the men instead of a simultaneously start.
"We tested this new approach and it was definitely a good way to promote the women's class. It provided a greater exposure of the women on TV. It was successful during Årefjällsloppet and we are glad Jizerska Padesátka will do the same", says David Nilsson CEO Swix Ski Classics.
The Swix Ski Classics races usually have a simultaneously start for the women and men which has made it difficult for the TV production to follow the women's competition when women skiers spread out into the mass of men skiers. Another difficulty having the men and women starting together is the female skiers not knowing where their competitors are.
"We saw Årefjällsloppet as a good role model and the right development for Swix Ski Classics. This will give a lift both to the TV-production and also the sport aspect on the women side", says David Dousa, responsible Jizerska Padesátka.
Swix Ski Classics
Wed, September 18, 2013 9:59 am
For more information about Swix Ski Classics see: www.swixskiclassics.com
Swix Ski Classics calendar 2014
Event 1 Jizerska Padesátka Czech Republic 12th January 2014
Event 2 Marcialonga Italy 26th January 2014
Event 3 König Ludwig Lauf Germany 2nd February 2014
Event 4 Vasaloppet Sweden 2nd March 2014
Event 5 Birkebeinerrennet Norway 15th March 2014
Event 6 Swix Ski Classics Final Sweden 29th March 2014