“Plan B, for challenging snow conditions, involves moving the start to the higher elevations of the Jizera Mountains, where snow is more reliable,” stated David Douša from the organizing committee, representing the RAUL agency. Everything would be prepared for the racers, including refreshment stations and finish-line facilities in Bedřichov. However, current snow conditions suggest a smooth scenario, and we are confident Plan B won’t need activation.
Through the Jizerská 50, several charitable projects are supported, including one initiated by the general partner, ČEZ Group. “All participants in Sunday’s race, along with those visiting the ČEZ Energy Zone to use the ski simulator, will contribute to building a workout playground at the stadium in Bedřichov,” explained ČEZ Group spokesperson Barbora Peterová. Additionally, participants can convert their activity into points via the EPP Move to Help mobile app, which the ČEZ Foundation will turn into funds to support a children’s home in Dubá.
Not only the racers but also the general public can look forward to the ČEZ Energy Fest in Liberec, featuring two star performers. On the evening of Saturday, January 8, singer LENNY will open the event at Dr. E. Beneš Square in Liberec, followed by a performance from the band CHINASKI.
New this year is a special storage bag, the so-called Dry Bag from T-Mobile, which all racers will receive for free. It will be the only luggage accepted at the storage facility. With an expected lifespan of at least five years, this initiative will save approximately one ton of single-use plastic bags annually.
A new main partner and title sponsor of the children’s races, Mini Jizerská Dr. Max, was introduced and will take care of both young and adult competitors. For their first year of collaboration, they’ve prepared a children’s daycare, a recovery zone, a Dr. Max premium sprint segment during individual races with the motto “Going to the Max,” and much more.
Participants can also look forward to other partner activations, such as new rewards at premium checkpoints in Kneipa, Jizerka, and Smědava. Racers who improve the most at these intermediate points compared to their 2023 performance will receive rewards. This ties into the 58th edition’s motto, which will also feature on commemorative medals from the Czech Mint: Loyalty.
This year's top favorites are Norway’s Amund Riege, Oskar Kardin, and Swede Max Novak, who has Czech roots. On the women’s side, Anikken Gjerde Alnaes, Emilie Fleten, and Jenny Larsson are expected to shine. The race will also include the duo Jakub Kohák and Nasty, along with the debut of fencer and Olympic medalist Jiří Beran, who will be guided through the course by his namesake and five-time Jizerská 50 winner, Jiří Beran.
The ČEZ Jizerská 50 and ORLEN Sprint races, with prize money of 400,000 CZK, will once again be broadcast on Czech Television, along with other races from the Ski Classics series, thanks to support from the main partner, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.
JIZ 50 SKI
JIZ 50 RUN
