The 3 Zinnen Ski Marathon, a highlight of the Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XVI, unfolded this Saturday in the stunning Dolomites of Italy. Marking the third stage of the season, this long-distance skiing race attracted top talent, with Anikken Gjerde Alnæs of Team Engcon and Kasper Stadaas of Team Ragde Charge clinching impressive victories in their respective categories. The 60-kilometer course proved to be a true test of endurance and skill for all competitors involved.
During the women’s race, which began at 9:05 CET, a rapidly formed group of eight skiers included many of the race favorites. The pace was set high from the onset, leading to strategic positioning and alliances. Anikken Gjerde Alnæs, Jenny Larsson from Lager 157 Ski Team, and Silje Øyre Slind of Team Aker Dæhlie emerged as the leading trio, while the chasing pack, including Emilie Fleten and Stina Nilsson, struggled to keep pace.
As the race progressed, Gjerde Alnæs and Larsson quickly asserted their dominance. At the first Sprint checkpoint, located at the 21.7km mark, Gjerde Alnæs showcased her speed, finishing just a fraction ahead of Larsson. The sprint’s significance was amplified as it allowed the leaders to maintain their edge over pursuing competitors. This early display of talent set the stage for an exciting battle leading up to the Cimabanche Climb checkpoint.
Approaching the climb, the dynamics changed slightly when Jenny Larsson successfully crossed the Cimabanche Climb first. This impressive climb at 35.8km highlighted the rigorous challenges of the course and the competitors’ resilience. Despite the ups and downs, Gjerde Alnæs managed to stay close to the leaders, showcasing her consistency and strategic racing.
With just under 18 kilometers remaining, the lead trio maintained a commanding gap ahead of their closest challengers, which continued to grow as the race neared its conclusion. Gjerde Alnæs’s endurance and sprinting power ultimately led her to victory, crossing the finish line with a remarkable time of 2:34:53.8. Jenny Larsson secured second place, while Silje Øyre Slind finished strong in third. The results underscored Gjerde Alnæs’s impressive form this season.
In the men’s race, starting slightly earlier at 9:00 CET, the competitors maintained a controlled pace through the initial stages. It wasn’t until the Sprint checkpoint, 21.7 kilometers in, that competitors like Simen Ramstad of Team Kaffebryggeriet DRIV began to shine. It was a tightly contested field that saw multiple teams jockeying for position before the challenge of the upcoming climbs.
As the men approached the Cimabanche Climb, Oskar Kardin from Lager 157 Ski Team took the lead at the checkpoint. However, the strategy of teamwork was on full display as a group of six skiers broke away from the pack, including Stadaas, who kept a fierce momentum. The intense competition culminated in a final sprint where Stadaas pulled ahead, winning the race, with Johan Hoel and Andreas Nygaard rounding out the podium from Team Ragde Charge.
The 3 Zinnen Ski Marathon serves not only as a critical event in this elite skiing season but also a celebration of skill and perseverance in the sport. As the Ski Classics Pro Tour progresses, the anticipation builds for the next event, La Venosta ITT Kapron-Melago, set to occur soon. Enthusiasts and participants alike are encouraged to engage with the community through platforms like SC Play, ensuring the continued growth and accessibility of cross-country skiing as a sport.
