ČEZ Jizerská 50 kicks off with Bedřichovská 30 and ČSOB Jizerská 17 in beautiful weather

For the first time since 2004, the ČEZ Jizerská 50 started on a Thursday. While the Volkswagen Bedřichovská 30 is a regular in the program since 2001, the ČSOB Jizerská 17 had its very premiere. The organizers have prepared a 17 km route which is not too difficult and very beginner-friendly. More than 770 competitors took on the sun-drenched trails.

The 56th ČEZ Jizerská 50 program kicked off on Thursday at half past two with the 30-kilometer skating race. 514 participants competed in the traditional race in three starting waves. The conditions were extremely favorable. Thanks to the cold days and plenty of snow, the trails could have been laid perfectly so everyone could show off their technique. Sunny weather and temperatures around -6 degrees provided for an unmatched cross-country skiing experience.

Everyone had to go through a challenging part around the Josefův Důl water reservoir, followed by a long ascent to Čihadla. That is where everyone could give it their all as the finish line was downhill or flat, except for the climb up to Olivetská hora. Fabián Štoček was the first to cross the finish line, the fastest woman was Adéla Ročárková Boudíková.

Just a few minutes after that, Bedřichov along with 261 competitors experienced an exciting premiere. Those who prefer shorter distances competed in the ČSOB Jizerská 17. The future looked bright as there were two refreshment stations on the trail waiting for them. After passing through Hřebínek, the second refreshment station, they continued onto the Bedřichovská 30 trail but they spared themselves the difficult hike to Mount Olivet. The first historical victory at the ČSOB Jizerská 17 was claimed by Oskar Poluha and Zuzana Kocumová, former Olympian and an experienced participant of the Jizerská 50.

On Friday February 10, Bedřichov stadium will have an exceptionally busy program. The morning will be ruled by children of all ages at the Mini Jizerská Pojišťovny VZP. We will be able to meet those perfecting their first steps on skis but also diligent teenagers in training. After that, several big names in Czech sport and culture will take part in the T-Mobile Jizerská corporate relay. This is a great event where work teams can bond but interesting guests have also been invited. The highlight of the program will be the ORLEN Benzina Sprint which will feature the biggest stars of long-distance skiing. You have yet to see them this up close. The short circuit promises a lot of one-on-ones and unexpected twists.

But the cross-country program doesn’t end there! We will finish with a tribute to the deceased climbers in whose honor the race name has been accompanied by the title Peru Memorial 1970. Afterwards, it will be time for historical skiers in their vintage flashy costumes. Friday evening will wrap up in Jablonec nad Nisou where Pokáč will sing at the first ČEZ Energy fest concert.