It
wasn"t sure for a long time if it would be possible to host the 46th
edition of the Jizerská Padesatka on the 13th of January. Warm
temperatures and a lot of rain had made it very difficult for the
organisers to maintain the course. However, colder temperatures are
announced for the coming days and also some new snow. With the help of a
lot of volunteers, who helped to get snow back on the tracks, the OC
decided that the race can be held. The track will remain the same as
usual.
In total, 4470 participants from 30 nations will be on the start line for the 50km classic race which will pass through the wonderful landscape of the Iser mountains. Starting from the cross country stadium in Bedrichov, the track ducks into the forrest and keeps on until close to the Polish boarder before turning back to Jizerka and finally to Bedrichov and the finish.
Already two days before, the first race goes under way with the 30km skating race around the Iser mountain tracks. The 25km classic race will then follow on Saturday.
All the classic specialists from Norway and Sweden will be present and are joining in the fight for the overall FIS Marathon Cup ranking for first time this season.
As there will also be the FIS Cross Country World Cup present in Liberec - only some kilometres from Bedrichov - the same weekend, a huge ski party will take place in the centre of Liberec Saturday night with a live band playing.
THE RACERS – WHO IS ON THE START LIST
First
name to mention is certainly the one of Stanislav Rezac, the local
hero, who could win last year"s edition. Last year"s complete podium
will be present as Jimmy Johnsson (SWE) is announced to start as is
Joergen Aukland (NOR) and his brother Anders. Toni Livers (SUI), the
third of the FIS Marathon Cup opener La Sgambeda (ITA), Florian Kostner
(ITA), Jerry Ahrlin (SWE), Daniel Tynell and his brother Rikard (SWE),
Jörgen Brink (SWE) or Oskar Svärd (SWE) will certainly be the major
contestants. It will be interesting to see how some World Cup skiers
will do: Anders Soedergren (SWE), Simen Oestensen (NOR), Martin Bajcicak
(SVK), Johan Kjoelstad (NOR), Vassili Rotchev (RUS) and Eldar Roenning
(NOR) have decided to use the Jizerská Padesatka as a preparation for
the 50km race at the World Championships in Val di Fiemme in the
beginning of March later this year.
On the women"s side, the second and the third of last years race, Tatjana Manimaa (EST) and Jenny Hansson (SWE) will be present as will be last year"s overall FIS Marathon Cup winner Stephanie Santer (ITA), Laila Kveli (NOR), Susanne Nyström (SWE), Antonella Confortola (ITA), Seraina Boner (SUI) and Valentina Shevchenko (UKR). Vibeke Skofterud (NOR), who already did the Vasaloppet last year and who has also won it, will equally be starting.
The actual start list for the elite skiers can be found here (always subject to change).
IMPORTANT DATES & INFORMATION:
January 13: Jizerská Padesatka (CZE) - 2nd FIS Marathon Cup 2012-13 / 50km classic
9am: start of the 50km Jizerská Padesatka at the Bedrichov cross country stadium
Winners in 2011:
Men: 1st Stanislav Rezac (CZE), 2nd Jimmy Johnsson (SWE), 3rd Joergen Aukland (NOR)
Women: 1st Sara Svendsen (NOR), 2nd Tatjana Manimaa (EST), 3rd Jenny Hansson (SWE)
More information on the race:
9am: start of the 50km Jizerská Padesatka at the Bedrichov cross country stadium
Winners in 2011:
Men: 1st Stanislav Rezac (CZE), 2nd Jimmy Johnsson (SWE), 3rd Joergen Aukland (NOR)
Women: 1st Sara Svendsen (NOR), 2nd Tatjana Manimaa (EST), 3rd Jenny Hansson (SWE)
More information on the race:
Jizerská Padesatka:
In general: http://www.jiz50.cz
Track information: http://www.jiz50.cz/en/info/map
Next FIS Marathon Cup: January 20 – Dolomitenlauf (AUT), 60km skating
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