On 4 and 5 February 2017, it was that time again - the ski marathon entered its tenth round. Over 350 cross-country skiers enjoyed perfectly groomed trails against a fantastic backdrop.
On Saturday, around 90 cross-country skiing enthusiasts provided some great moments at the MINI Skimarathon. On Sunday, over 260 amateur and professional cross-country skiers battled it out for the coveted victory.
The participants in a total of three different categories (21 km, 42 km and the team competition) started punctually at 10.30 am in the mass start in the Saalfelden district of Ramseiden. The route between Maria Alm and Saalfelden pushed everyone to their limits in extremely difficult conditions.
A week before the international event, 180 participants had already registered online. There were 90 children at the start on Saturday and over 260 adults from 15 nations on Sunday. The athletes came from Germany, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Great Britain, Luxembourg, the Czech Republic, Italy, Slovakia, Russia, Romania, Estonia and Hungary.
Alex GOTTHALMSEDER from Austria won the 21 kilometre half marathon and Julia PFENNICH from Pinzgau won the women's race. The winner of the 42 kilometre (marathon) category was Dzmitry BUDZILOVICH from Belarus and Liudmila UZICK from Russia in the women's category. The Austrian Fabian KATTNIG came second in the 42 kilometre category.
Dzmitry BUDZILOVICH commented: "It was a very tough race today with difficult conditions. I'm pleased that I was still able to extend my lead and finish first."
As in 2016, Marco Pointner, Managing Director of Saalfelden Leogang Touristik, was at the start himself and completed the 21km course. Pointner is delighted: "The ski marathon has a special significance for our positioning. It once again emphasises the Nordic offer in Saalfelden Leogang. Many thanks to all those involved and above all to the volunteers without whom such a major event would not be possible. I am very satisfied with my personal performance, especially as I reached the finish line in these difficult conditions."
We congratulate all participants and especially the winners. Many thanks to all the contributors and sponsors for the great organisation of the competition weekend!
