Bedřichov Sprint makes Pro Tour history as the first-ever sprint event

The Ski Classics Pro Tour continues with its fifth event of Season XVII: the Bedřichov Sprint, taking place on Friday evening, January 30, 2026, in Bedřichov, Czech Republic.

Marking a historic milestone for Ski Classics, the Bedřichov Sprint is the first sprint competition ever included as a Pro Tour event. The 1.5-kilometer double poling race is hosted at the Bedřichov Ski Stadium and is part of the renowned Jizerská50 program.

Fast-Paced and Tactical Racing

The format features individual starts in the prologue round, then with the top 14 advancing to the semi-finals, split into two heats of seven skiers. From there, the top three in each heat move on to the final, plus the best time for seventh place, where the lucky seven sprint specialists battle head-to-head for the victory.

As the shortest event in Ski Classics history, the Bedřichov Sprint brings a fresh dynamic to the Pro Tour. Athletes earn points for the Sprint competition and Champion competition, making every second and every push of the poles critical.

The Bedřichov Sprint is also one of four in a new sprint category that will be launched before the season.

“Adding a sprint to the Pro Tour calendar is an exciting step for Ski Classics. It highlights a different skill set and brings new energy and intensity to the circuit. The Jizerská organization has arranged the Friday sprint for several years, and we have monitored it carefully and noticed the excitement it has created among athletes and fans. We look forward to seeing how the athletes adapt to this format and how it influences the standings. To be fast might be an important skill for being a great long-distance skier,” says Ski Classics Director Oskar Svärd.

In addition, the Local Organizing Committee is enthusiastic about Sprint’s elevation to the international stage.

"We’re thrilled that, on the occasion of its 12th anniversary, the Sprint is joining the Ski Classics Pro Tour. We eagerly look forward to witnessing the world’s top female and male athletes battle for the podium amid the stunning night scenery of the Jizera Mountains, illuminated by dramatic fire and light effects. We're confident that TV audiences across many countries will be captivated by the spectacle as well," says David Douša, Head of Jizerská50.

Watch the Action Live

Last season, Anniken Gjerde Alnæs and Alvar Myhlback took top honors in the Bedřichov sprint. This time, the stakes are even higher with Pro Tour points on the line.

Experience the Jizera Mountains

Nestled in the picturesque Jizera Mountains, Bedřichov is a village renowned for its rich skiing heritage and natural beauty. The area is a gateway to the Jizerská magistrála, an extensive network of meticulously maintained cross-country skiing trails. These trails wind through enchanting forests and rolling hills, offering a unique blend of challenging terrain and breathtaking scenery.

Bedřichov is also the traditional starting and finishing point of the Jizerská50, one of Central Europe's most prestigious long-distance skiing races. Established in 1968, the Jizerská50 has grown from a local event with 52 participants to a major international competition, attracting thousands of skiers annually. The race is deeply rooted in the region's culture and history, commemorating the memory of mountaineers who perished in the 1970 Huascarán landslide in Peru.