The 3 Zinnen Ski Marathon, renowned as the longest and most challenging race in the breathtaking Drei Zinnen Dolomites, has once again captivated participants and spectators alike. This marathon entails a demanding 60 km course that tests the endurance, strength, and strategy of its competitors, all while offering stunning vistas of the iconic mountains. The event stood out not only for its difficulty but also for the thrilling and intense competition among the top skiers in the sport, ensuring a remarkable experience for all involved.
Men’s Race Highlights
The men’s race commenced at 9:00 CET amidst a controlled pace, with all significant contenders forming a large pack before reaching the first Sprint checkpoint, which was located 21.7 km into the course. Simen Ramstad from Team Kaffebryggeriet DRIV crossed the checkpoint in first place, closely followed by Anton Persson from Team Ramudden and Vebjørn Moen from Team Eksjöhus. This moment signaled the start of a fierce competition as the race progressed toward the Climb checkpoint.
By the time the competitors reached the Cimabanche Climb checkpoint at 35.8 km, the dynamics began to shift dramatically. Oskar Kardin, representing Lager 157 Ski Team, demonstrated his climbing prowess by finishing first at this critical juncture. Amund Hoel from Team Engcon and Max Novak from Team Aker Dæhlie followed closely in second and third places respectively. Shortly afterward, a powerful group of six skiers began to break away from the main field as they navigated the challenging downhill section toward Villabassa/Niederdorf.
As the race neared its conclusion, the leading group maintained a steady pace, building a gap of approximately 30 seconds over their closest rivals. With just under 11 km remaining, the racers began to prepare themselves for a tactically critical finish. By the time they reached the remaining 3 km, Amund Hoel was at the front, but Team Ragde Charge’s Kasper Stadaas emerged victoriously in an exhilarating sprint to the finish line, finishing with a time of 2:15:20.1. Following Kasper, Johan Hoel of Team Ragde Charge, initially awarded second but later disqualified for a technical violation, was nonetheless recognized, placing Johan second. Andreas Nygaard from Team Ragde Charge rounded out the podium in third place.
Women’s Race Commentary
The women’s race kicked off at 9:05 CET with a fast-paced beginning, quickly culminating in a pack of eight elite skiers, including all favorites vying for victory. The real excitement began as Anikken Gjerde Alnæs from Team Engcon, Jenny Larsson from Lager 157 Ski Team, and Silje Øyre Slind from Team Aker Dæhlie formed a lead group. Not far behind were Emilie Fleten and Stina Nilsson, amongst other competitive skiers, ready to challenge the frontrunners.
As the participants approached the Sprint checkpoint at 21.7 km, Anikken Gjerde Alnæs demonstrated her speed to take the lead, crossing the line just ahead of Jenny Larsson and Stina Nilsson. The consistency of their performance kept them intact as a trio heading toward the crucial Cimabanche checkpoint, where Jenny Larsson showcased her strength, finishing first. Despite the thinning of the chasing group, the front runners managed to maintain a solid lead, expanding their gap significantly as the race progressed.
In an impressive display of endurance and speed, Anikken Gjerde Alnæs surged ahead in the final minutes and crossed the finish line first, followed by Jenny Larsson and Silje Øyre Slind, solidifying their spots on the podium. Anikken’s remarkable time of 2:34:53.8 was celebrated as a testament to her skill and dedication, highlighting the high-stakes atmosphere of the event.
Overall Ski Classics Pro Tour Update
The conclusion of the 3 Zinnen Ski Marathon has reshaped the Ski Classics Pro Tour standings. Anikken Gjerde Alnæs and Kasper Stadaas currently hold the Champion Bib in their respective categories, while they, along with Anton Persson from Team Ramudden, continue to vie for the Green Bib in the Sprint Competition. Furthermore, Oskar Kardin and Silje Øyre Slind represent the best competitors in the Climb Competition, while the Pink Bib for the best Youth category remains with Hanna Lodin and Amund Riege.
As the world of competitive skiing continues to unfold, the next event on the schedule is the La Venosta ITT Kapron-Melago scheduled for January 12, 2025. This marks the fourth stage of the Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XVI and promises to be another thrilling contest for ski enthusiasts. More detailed information is available on the official Ski Classics website, including results, standings, and upcoming events.
In conclusion, the 3 Zinnen Ski Marathon stands as a highlight in the Ski Classics Pro Tour calendar, delivering unparalleled excitement, extraordinary athlete performance, and breathtaking landscapes. The ongoing season promises even more thrilling competitions as participants continue to race towards the highly anticipated events still to come.
