8.2.2025

Saturday Satisfied all skiers: 2,400 Cross-Country Enthusiasts Enjoyed the Classic Technique Races

Saturday at the ČEZ Jizerská 50 was all about classic cross-country skiing. The 25 km and 10 km races once again attracted not only systematically trained competitors but also recreational skiers and families with children, who enjoyed the perfectly groomed trails in the Jizera Mountains. A total of 2,397 skiers took to the tracks. The main 25 km race was won by Petr Kolaja and Eliška Šibravová.

Third Day, Third Set of Conditions

Saturday brought cloudy weather and temperatures just below freezing. Experts from the Swix waxing tent used the same glide wax as on Thursday, but the kick wax, crucial for classic skiing, differed. While klister was recommended on Friday for technical snow, Saturday's routes ran through areas with only natural snow, making traditional hard waxes a better choice.

Fastest in an Hour, Slowest in Four and a Half: No Rush at the Jizerská 25

The Jizerská 25 started at 8:30 AM. This year, the route did not extend all the way to Rozmezí, with the starting field instead tackling a shorter climb via the so-called "Panelka." To maintain the race length, participants completed a bonus loop around the Černá Nisa reservoir and the Dr. Max timed section. A total of 1,150 skiers took part.

The 25 km course mainly attracted younger racers accustomed to shorter distances. Petr Kolaja crossed the finish line first, completing the course in just under 1 hour and 4 minutes, followed by Jakub Bečvář one minute later.

"The race was decided in the last three to four kilometers when I pulled ahead on an uphill section. Otherwise, it was a great race, and we worked together at the front. The track was in great condition, with firm tracks, although the dry snow made it a bit slower," said the Jizerská 25 winner.

Results – Jizerská 25 (Men, 22.5 km classic)

1. Petr Kolaja (eD systém Vltava Fund team) – 1:03:50
2. Jakub Bečvář (eD systém Vltava Fund team) – +0:52
3. Michal Švarc (Ski Sokol Stachy) – +2:48

Among the women, Eliška Šibravová built on her previous victory at the VW Bedřichovská 30, once again defeating veteran Zuzana Kocumová.

"I expected it to be worse, but in the last six kilometers, my pole basket turned, and I started feeling that one arm wasn't working properly. I fixed it, and then it was fine," said the winner.

Runner-up Kocumová acknowledged the winner’s strength: "Eliška was simply better. Going full double-pole uphill is tough, but at least it makes for a fast descent afterward."

Results – Jizerská 25 (Women, 22.5 km classic)

1. Eliška Šibravová (eD systém Vltava Fund team) – 1:10:53
2. Zuzana Kocumová (eD systém Vltava Fund team) – +0:55
3. Lenka Skrbková (Sokol Železný Brod) – +11:57

The Jizerská 25 is truly for everyone. The most leisurely participants spent 4 hours and 37 minutes on the track. Fifty minutes ahead of them, Roman Charvát, who usually uses a wheelchair, crossed the finish line. However, on the snow, he switches to a specialized sit-ski, propelling himself forward using shorter poles in double-pole style.

Young Skiers Battled in the Jizerská 10

At 2:00 PM, skiers set off in the ČT Jizerská 10, an event perfect for families. The weather was idyllic, with sunshine illuminating the course. The race continues to grow, with 1,247 participants taking part this year. In total, 3,665 racers have competed at the Bedřichov Stadium so far.

Most participants skied at a relaxed pace, but younger racers took the event seriously, pushing hard from the start. Lukáš Antoš was the first to cross the finish line.

"I made my move on the climb from the reservoir and even went for the sprint on the Dr. Max timed section. I wasn’t sure I’d hold the lead, but it turned out to be enough," said the winner.

Results – ČT Jizerská 10 (Men, 11.7 km classic)

???? Lukáš Antoš (eD systém Vltava Fund team) – 31:50
???? Oskar Poluha (BK Kalibr Benátky) – +0:15
???? Sander Kurt (GER, SSV Erfurt 02) – +0:17

Among the women, Magdaléna Bradnová surprised everyone by defeating five of her young teammates from the Jablonec Ski Club.

Results – ČT Jizerská 10 (Women, 11.7 km classic)

1. Magdaléna Bradnová (Ski klub Jablonec nad Nisou) – 37:56
2. Silvia Gubančoková (Ski klub Jablonec nad Nisou) – +0:47
3. Anna Cilichová (Ski klub Jablonec nad Nisou) – +0:49

The ČT Jizerská 10 is also a family-friendly race. The system is simple—each family entry allows up to two adults and two children to participate, with the finishing times of the three fastest members counted towards the final ranking.

Results – ČT Family 10

1. Hroudovi
2. Kráťa team
3. Rudolfovské gazely

Festive Evening in Liberec

Saturday’s program concluded with the ČEZ Energy Fest at Dr. Edvard Beneš Square in Liberec. At 6:00 PM, singer Lenny performed, followed by the headline act—Chinaski—at 7:00 PM.

The Grand Finale Awaits on Sunday

Sunday will feature the main event, one of the four most prestigious long-distance ski races in the world. Participants can look forward to great weather and perfectly groomed tracks.