1.2.2026

A Phenomenal Finish! The Record-Breaking 59th ČEZ Jizerská 50

The legend of the Jizera Mountains has closed another unforgettable chapter of its history. This year’s ČEZ Jizerská 50 offered dramatic sporting battles decided only in the final sprints, delivering moments that will be forever etched into the race's history. It wasn't just the thrilling finish that made this year exceptional, but also the record-breaking participation—a total of 9,821 skiers took to the tracks over the weekend. The second Grand Classics race of the season is now in the books, with Anikken Gjerde Alnaes and Amund Riege emerging as the victors.

Organizers stuck with the proven starting model, featuring separate starts for the elite women and men. The women set off thirty minutes ahead of the men, ensuring a smoother race flow, more space on the track, and fairer conditions for those fighting for the top spots.

The race's excitement was further heightened by the traditional climb competitions adding another dimension to the competition. Some racers focused primarily on these scored segments, giving them their absolute maximum effort.

Women’s Race Decided by Photo Finish: Anniken Gjerde Alnaes Defends Her Title

The elite women’s category delivered a suspenseful drama until the very last meters. Six racers entered the final straight simultaneously, and the winner was ultimately decided by mere millimeters. A thrilling duel for first place unfolded between Sweden’s Hanna Lodin and Norway’s defending champion Anniken Gjerde Alnaes, who managed to secure her second consecutive victory—this time by a mere tenth of a second. Following closely in third place was Emilie Fleten, also from Norway.

1. 2:23:19.1 Alnaes Anikken Gjerde (NOR, Team Engcon)
2. 2:23:19.2 Lodin Hanna (SWE, Team Engcon)
3. 2:23:19.6 Fleten Emilie (NOR, Team Ramudden)

Amund Riege Claims Decisive Victory, Followed by a Tight Pack

Due to a longer course compared to previous years, winning times were noticeably slower. No racer managed to break the two-hour mark at this year's ČEZ Jizerská 50. Norway's Amund Riege was the first to cross the finish line with a time slightly over two hours. Riege maintained a relatively comfortable twelve-second lead over the chasing pack, who battled it out in a final sprint for second and third place. The most successful among them were Kasper Stadaas in second and Joergen Ole Bruvoll in third.

1. 2:05:55.5 Riege Amund (NOR, Team Aker Daehlie)
2. 2:06:07.3 Stadaas Kasper (NOR, Team Aker Daehli)
3. 2:06:08.1 Bruvoll Ole Joergen (NOR, Team Engcon)

Top Czechs on the Track

The first domestic racer to reach the finish line was Fabián Štoček, who took 29th place with a time of 2:08:02. Less than five minutes later, Václav Sedláček crossed the finish line, followed by Jáchym Poul, rounding out the top three Czech men.