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