The Tour de Ski, a prestigious stage race within the FIS Cross-Country World Cup, is set to commence on December 28th, 2023, and conclude on January 5th, 2024. This challenging competition, composed of seven races held entirely in Italy, will test athletes’ endurance and versatility across two sprint events and five distance races. The overall winner of the Tour will be determined by the combined times of all stages, culminating in the iconic final climb up the Alpe Cermis alpine slope in Val di Fiemme. TV6 and Viaplay will broadcast the races, ensuring global audiences can follow the thrilling competition.
This year’s Tour promises intense competition, with defending champions Jessie Diggins (USA) and Harald Østberg Amundsen (Norway) aiming to retain their titles. Diggins’ victory last year marked a significant achievement, and she faces a formidable challenge from other elite skiers. Amundsen, a rising star in Norwegian skiing, will be tested by a competitive field eager to claim the coveted title. The return of three-time Tour de Ski champion Therese Johaug adds another layer of intrigue to the women’s competition. Johaug, initially hesitant about participating, decided to use the Tour as crucial preparation for the upcoming World Championships in Trondheim.
Notable absences from this year’s Tour de Ski include several prominent Swedish athletes. Frida Karlsson, the 2021 Tour de Ski winner, will miss the competition due to a foot injury, dashing hopes of a repeat performance. Sprint specialist Jonna Sundling and rising star Emma Ribom will also be absent, along with veteran Calle Halfvarsson. These absences create opportunities for other skiers to rise to the occasion and make their mark on the international stage. While the Swedish team will undoubtedly feel the impact of these missing athletes, the remaining competitors will be determined to showcase their abilities and strive for top results.
The lucrative prize purse for the Tour de Ski further elevates the stakes of the competition. The top 20 finishers in both the men’s and women’s categories will receive prize money, with the overall winners taking home a substantial 85,000 Swiss francs, equivalent to approximately one million Swedish kronor. This significant financial reward adds another incentive for athletes to push their limits and strive for victory in the grueling multi-stage race. The prize money not only recognizes the skiers’ achievements but also contributes to the professionalization of the sport.
The Swedish team, despite the absence of key athletes, will be represented by a strong contingent of skiers eager to compete at the highest level. Ebba Andersson will lead the women’s team, alongside experienced competitors such as Maja Dahlqvist, Johanna Hagström, and Linn Svahn. The men’s team features William Poromaa, Jens Burman, and Oskar Svensson, amongst other promising talents. These athletes will be looking to build on their previous successes and challenge for podium positions throughout the Tour. The varied courses and race formats will provide opportunities for different athletes to shine, showcasing the depth of talent within the Swedish team.
The demanding schedule of the Tour de Ski, spread across multiple locations, will test the skiers’ physical and mental fortitude. The competition begins in Toblach with a freestyle sprint, followed by a classic style mass start race. The Tour then moves to various locations throughout Italy, incorporating individual start races, pursuit races, and skiathlon events. The diverse race formats demand adaptability and strategic racing, making the Tour de Ski a true test of all-around skiing prowess. The culminating event, the challenging climb up Alpe Cermis, is a spectacle of endurance and determination, separating the contenders from the champions.
