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The 50th edition of Bieg Piastów marked a historic milestone for the Polish Worldloppet event, bringing together elite racers and passionate recreational skiers in Jakuszyce for a memorable jubilee weekend. Saturday’s 50 km main race attracted 1,600 participants, making it the second-best year in the event’s history in terms of participation, in general 6.800 skiers participated in the whole festival week — a strong testament to the race’s enduring appeal within the Worldloppet family.

Snow fight for the 50th Bieg Piastow

Friday offered fast and cold conditions for the 30 km freestyle race, while Saturday’s 50 km brought fresh snowfall and significantly tougher racing conditions. Germany’s Thomas Bing delivered a standout performance across the weekend, winning both the 30 km freestyle on Friday and returning to victory in Saturday’s 50 km main race — an impressive double triumph during the anniversary edition.

Bieg Piastow Top 3 – Men (50 km)

1. Thomas Bing (GER) 2:32:58
2. Sedlacek Vaclav (CZE) 2:33:54
3. Mateusz Haratyk (POL) 2:39:57

Bieg Piastow 2026 Top 3 – Ladies (50 km)

1. Tereza Hujerova (CZE) 2:49:15
2. Karolina Grohova (CZE) 2:51:07
3. Eliška Šibrakova (CZE) 2:51:31

Saturday’s snowfall created a true winter atmosphere in the Jizera Mountains. While the steady snow made waxing and pacing more demanding, it also added to the authenticity and challenge that long-distance skiers appreciate. In contrast, Friday’s races were held under cold but near-perfect winter conditions, offering fast tracks and nice views.

Worldloppet Masters Gathering: New Milestones Celebrated

A special highlight of the jubilee weekend was the Worldloppet Masters Gathering held on Friday, which brought together approximately 100 Worldloppet skiers from different nations. During the meeting, several new Worldloppet Masters were officially awarded, celebrating their achievement of completing ten Worldloppet races across at least ten different countries. The gathering once again demonstrated the strong international spirit that defines the Worldloppet community.

Following Saturday’s race, additional skiers reached new milestones and were awarded their Worldloppet Master titles, adding further celebrations to the finish area festivities. The jubilee edition of Bieg Piastów thus became not only a celebration of 50 years of Polish skiing tradition, but also a weekend of new achievements within the global Worldloppet series.

With strong participation, challenging winter conditions and historic milestones, the 50th Bieg Piastów will be remembered as a fitting tribute to five decades of long-distance skiing excellence.

Coming weekend, the Worldloppet circuit is coming to another highlight of the season: It is time for the Swedish Vasaloppet again!

pictures: Marcin Oliva Soto