SWIX SKI CLASSICS. The third season of Swix Ski Classics is about to start. Jizerska Padesatka is first out and on Sunday January 13th, the best long distance cross-country skiers in the world will be ready at the starting line in Bedrichov, Czech Republic.

Photo © Magnus Östh / Swix Ski Classics

Swix Ski Classics is the long distance ski championships, consisting of the six most prestigious ski events in the world: Jizerská Padesatká in Czech Republic, Marcialonga in Italy, König Ludwig Lauf in Germany, Vasaloppet in Sweden, Birkebeinerrennet in Norway and the Ski Classics Final Årefjällsloppet in Sweden, all 50 K or more and open for professional as well as amateur skiers.

Jizerska Padesatka is 50 K in classic technique and loops around in the tough terrain in the Jizera Mountains, less than two hours of driving from the capital Prague. The Swix Ski Classics Champions from last year, Anders Aukland and Jenny Hansson, will most likely be in front trying to defend their titles. And of course last year’s winner of Jizerska Padesatka, the Czech Stanislav Rezac.

Photo © Magnus Östh / Swix Ski Classics

Many other eager long distance skiers from several countries want to go fast to claim the victory. We will see world class athletes like Jørgen Aukland, Jörgen Brink, Jimmie Johnsson, Thomas Alsgaard, Jenny Hansson, Susanne Nyström, Seraina Boner and Laiala Kveli. Oskar Svärd and Sandra Hansson are back in Swix Ski Classics this year after last season’s sickness. It will also be interesting to see how some of the world cup skiers will do in Jizerska Padesatka. Celebrities such as Anders Södergren, Eldar Rönning, Lukas Bauer, Chris Jespersen, Vibeke Skofterud and Valentina Shevchenko will all participate in the first major long distance race of the season.

Photo © Magnus Östh / Swix Ski Classics

Jizerska is after the Birkebeinerrennet the most hilly course in Swix Ski Classics. But still, several of top athletes, such as Jörgen Aukland and Jerry Ahrlin, will double pole the entire race without the use of kickwax.

The middle parts of Europe have had a warm winter so far. Bedrichov is no exception and volunteers have worked hard in order to ensure that the snow depth of the trails is sufficient. Predictions are good for great conditions and finally another season of Swix Ski Classics is ready to kick off!

Swix Ski Classics
January 9th, 2013

Read more about Swix Ski Classics at www.swixskiclassics.com
Read more about Jizerska Padesatka at www.jiz50.cz
See the startlist at www.jiz50.cz/en/start-list/j50

Over All Standings 2012
Swix Ski Classics Champion Men
1 - ­ Anders Aukland, Team Xtra Personell
2 - Stanislav Rezac, Patria Direct Team (now in iXmind Racing Team)
3 ­ - Jörgen Brink, Team United Bakeries
4 - Jörgen Aukland, Team Xtra Personell
5 - Jimmie Johnsson, Team Exspirit (now in Team Coop)

Swix Ski Classics Champion Women
1 ­ - Jenny Hansson, Team Exspirit (now in Team Coop)
2 ­ - Susanne Nyström, Team Exspirit (now in Team Xtra Personell)
3 ­ - Seraina Boner, Team Exspirit (now in Team Coop)
4 - Sara Svendsen, Team Xtra Personell
5 - Laila Kveli, Team Xtra Personell
 
Swix Ski Classics Sprint
1 ­ - Stanislav Rezac, Patria Direct Team (now in iXmind Racing Team)
2 ­ - Jerry Ahrlin, Team Xtra Personell
3 ­ - Anders Aukland, Team Xtra Personell

Swix Ski Classics Team
1 ­ - Team Xtra Personell
2 ­ - Team Exspirit (now named Team Coop)
3 ­ - Team United Bakeries

Swix Ski Classics Youth Men
1 - ­ Morten Eide Pedersen, Team Birken (now in Team Coop)
2 - Christoffer Callesen, Team Xtra Personell (now in Team United Bakeries)
3 - Stian Remseth Andresen, Team Xtra Personell

Swix Ski Classics Youth Women
1 - ­ Laila Kveli, Team Xtra Personell